Also known as: Breast cancer
Diane Pierce has metastatic breast cancer that has spread to her liver, obstructing her bile duct. The episode focuses on Maggie's desperate attempts to get her mother into a clinical trial and the aggressive immunotherapy treatment that ultimately causes severe complications leading to Diane's death.
Also known as: Liver metastases
Cancer cells from Diane's breast tumor have metastasized to her liver, specifically near where bile drains from the liver, causing obstruction and pain. This drives the central conflict over whether to perform surgery to remove the metastasis.
Also known as: Bile duct blockage
The hepatic metastasis obstructs Diane's bile duct, causing elevated liver enzymes and pain. Bailey performs a percutaneous stenting procedure to relieve the obstruction and lower liver function tests to qualify Diane for the clinical trial.
Also known as: Esophageal tear
Diane suffers a full-thickness esophageal tear, likely caused by severe coughing during or after the aggressive immunotherapy treatment. Jackson performs a thoracotomy to repair it, and she is started on broad-spectrum antibiotics due to sepsis concerns.