Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis and Palliative Care: A Case Report

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC) is a rare but serious complication of cancer in which cancer cells spread to the leptomeninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The diagnosis and treatment of LC can be challenging due to the non-specific symptoms and the difficulty of accessing the leptomeninges for a biopsy. In this case report, we describe a patient with advanced breast cancer who was diagnosed with LC and underwent treatment with chemotherapy. Despite aggressive treatment, the patient's condition worsened over time, and she was referred to palliative care, where adequate symptom control was achieved, and she was discharged to her home country as per her wish. Our case highlights the difficulties associated with the diagnosis and treatment of LC and the need for continued research to improve outcomes for patients with this condition. It specifically highlights the approach a palliative care team can take for this condition.