[Ambulatory palliative treatment in oncology. Medical and psychosocial care of tumor patients in the advanced stadium of the disease].

Abstract

Many patients with terminal cancer would prefer to receive care at home. Frequently, however, socio-economic or familial constraints make this impossible, although from the medical point of view there might be no objections, even when the late stage of the disease is associated with certain complications. However, the preconditions must first be defined and agreed when the patient and relatives are making the necessary preparations--as far as possible jointly with a team comprising family doctor, oncologist and nursing service. Binding agreements among all those involved are required to ensure that in difficult situations the patient and his family receive the support they need. A number of common medical problems met with during palliative treatment, such as diarrhea, constipation, pleural effusion, etc. are described.