How do you manage patients without a pathologic diagnosis of malignancy referred for palliative radiation?
Do you handle a non-emergent indication such as palliation for pain vs cord compression differently in a patient unwilling to undergo a biopsy?
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
If there is great certainty that this is malignancy (i.e. cord compression with a large lung mass) and the patient is unwilling to undergo biopsy, this is still an emergent situation and no treatment would lead to loss of function or life. In this case, it's worthwhile to have a consent written up f...