Also known as: Lung cancer
Mr. Gaston undergoes surgery for lung cancer removal, but the tumor has infiltrated the pericardium causing a tear in the outer heart muscle, literally giving him a 'broken heart.' This complication drives a major surgical storyline.
Also known as: Pathological blushing
Kelly undergoes endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) to treat severe pathological blushing that prevents her from keeping any feelings private. The episode explores the social impact of her condition and her willingness to risk major surgical complications to be cured.
Ellis Grey presents with cramping pain and diarrhea, diagnosed with diverticulitis via CT scan. This is the initial presenting complaint that leads to discovery of a liver mass.
Also known as: Early-onset Alzheimer's
Ellis Grey's Alzheimer's disease is revealed to the hospital staff. She is confused, reliving her residency days, and mistakes George for her ex-husband Thatcher. This is a major character arc revealing Meredith's family secret.
Also known as: Liver tumor
A liver mass is discovered on Ellis Grey's CT scan, raising concerns about cancer. The Chief insists on performing a needle biopsy immediately. The mass is ultimately found to be benign, providing relief to Meredith who had conflicted feelings about hoping for a faster death than Alzheimer's provides.
Also known as: Tubal pregnancy
Cristina collapses during surgery due to a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. She undergoes emergency surgery where her left fallopian tube cannot be saved. This major storyline resolves her secret pregnancy with Burke.
Also known as: Spinal mass
A premature, underweight newborn with drug withdrawal has an invasive spinal mass. Derek and Addison debate whether surgery is appropriate given her poor prognosis. She develops resistant pneumococcal infection, and they ultimately decide to operate when she shows surprising strength.
Also known as: Newborn heroin withdrawal
The premature newborn is addicted to narcotics from maternal drug use. This complicates her already poor prognosis and is part of the ethical debate about whether to operate.