Overcoming challenges in diagnosing and treating cancers in people with intellectual disability: a case analysis
Abstract
Purpose
The diagnosis and management of cancer in people with intellectual disabilities (PWIDs) are fraught with difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to present a case study to highlight these difficulties.
Design/methodology/approach
The present case analysis describes the presentation of a 56-year-old man with a profound intellectual disability, who developed recurrent chest infections and died as a result of obstructive pneumonitis.
Findings
Despite a presentation over several years and numerous chest X-rays demonstrating a consistent lung abnormality, it was only on postmortem examination that a right-sided lung carcinoma was detected.
Originality/value
The papers have provided an update on the topic in light of recent legislations and management strategies which need to be applied to clinical practice if any improvement is to happen in the care of PWID.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the family of the patient who kindly gave permission for the publication of this case report. Special thanks go to Dr Michael Peake, Consultant and Senior Lecturer in Respiratory Medicine for the University Hospitals of Leicester and Dr Mary Barrett, Consultant Psychiatrist in Adult Learning Disability Service of Leicester Frith Hospital, for their help with the manuscript.
Citation
Kiani, R., Vahabzadeh, A., Hepplewhite, E.A., Abbas, M., Finnamore, T., Bhaumik, S. and Satge, D. (2014), "Overcoming challenges in diagnosing and treating cancers in people with intellectual disability: a case analysis", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 19 No. 2, pp. 51-58. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-02-2013-0019
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited