Also known as: GBM, terminal brain cancer
Izzie must decide whether to undergo surgery to remove her hippocampus to excise the tumor, risking permanent memory and speech loss, or pursue IL-2 immunotherapy. After a Wada test shows severe impairment and she experiences worsening hallucinations, she ultimately chooses surgery and signs a DNR.
Also known as: Chronic leg pain
A 19-year-old military lieutenant with intractable leg pain unresponsive to medications and physical therapy requests voluntary amputation so he can return to active duty in Iraq with a prosthetic. Despite concerns, Torres and Hunt ultimately perform the amputation.
Also known as: Skin cancer that has spread
A 22-year-old patient with brain, liver, and kidney metastases who responded well to IL-2 immunotherapy for two years. During routine treatment, she develops a bowel perforation requiring emergency surgery, suffers cardiac arrest with resulting brain damage, and ends up on life support unable to breathe independently.
Also known as: Spinal tumor
An 8-year-old patient undergoes successful surgery with Arizona Robbins, making a full recovery. This case is presented as a contrast to show 'the joy' of pediatric surgery when outcomes are positive.
Also known as: Gallstones
Bailey performs Seattle Grace's first single-incision gallbladder removal through the belly button using the new Da Vinci robotic surgical system, demonstrating the hospital's advancing surgical capabilities.