Each year on 27th July, the global medical community marks World Head and Neck Cancer Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the signs, symptoms, and risks associated with head and neck cancers. To recognise this important day, we are reflecting on how misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or poor communication in healthcare settings can have life-altering consequences for patients affected by these complex conditions.

Understanding Head and Neck Cancers

Head and neck cancers are a group of cancers that usually begin in the squamous cells lining the moist surfaces inside the head and neck, such as the mouth, throat, and nose. According to Cancer Research UK, over 12,000 new cases of head and neck cancers are diagnosed each year in the UK. Sadly, many of these cases are identified at a later stage, when treatment is more challenging and the prognosis is less favourable.

What Symptoms Should You Look Out For?

Early signs often include a persistent sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or lumps in the neck. In some cases, symptoms such as coughing up food, altered speech, or non-healing mouth ulcers can also indicate an underlying problem.

Unfortunately, these symptoms are frequently mistaken for less serious conditions, which can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment.

When Delay Becomes Negligence

Through our work supporting those affected by medical errors, we have seen first-hand the serious impact of diagnostic delays. In some cases, patients raised concerns with their GP multiple times but were not referred for further testing. In others, vital information, such as imaging results or biopsy findings, were not properly communicated, resulting in delays in starting necessary treatment.

Whilst not every poor outcome results from negligence, there are situations where the standard of care falls short of what patients are reasonably entitled to expect. For example:

• Failure to refer a patient under the NHS 2-week urgent cancer referral pathway
• Misinterpretation of radiology or pathology reports
• Inadequate follow-up after abnormal results

When such failings lead to a worsened prognosis or the need for more invasive treatment, patients and families may have grounds to pursue a clinical negligence claim.

Missed Opportunities: A Client’s Story

As an example, Williamsons successfully pursued a claim for a patient who had suffered a significant delay in diagnosis of a head and neck cancer, namely cancer affecting the

tongue base, despite repeatedly raising concerns with his GP about troubling symptoms, including coughing up food and a gradual change in speech. These symptoms developed slowly over time but were not recognised as potential indicators of a serious condition.

When he was eventually referred for further investigations, there were additional failings. A pharyngoscopy and biopsy of the tongue base were not carried out to an appropriate standard, and there was no follow-up or repeat biopsy, despite the persistence of unexplained symptoms. These oversights contributed to a substantial delay in reaching a diagnosis.

By the time the patient was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the left tongue base, the cancer was at an advanced stage and required aggressive radiotherapy and ongoing dental treatment as part of his recovery.

We worked closely with the patient over a number of years to reach a successful conclyusion of the claim, securing compensation that covered his ongoing care, rehabilitation, and financial losses, but more importantly, helped him move forward. He comments below as to the positive effect that bringing a claim has had upon his life : –

“Although my health will never quite be the same following the negligence, the compensation I received has helped provide financial stability at a time when everything else felt uncertain. It removed the constant stress about paying for treatment. Now, I can afford the private dental care I need and I no longer hesitate to get the help that’s vital for my health.”

“Being able to return to hobbies like motorbiking and travelling with my wife has given me back a sense of purpose. While nothing can undo what happened, bringing a claim gave me answers, accountability, and closure.”

The Clinical Negligence Team at Williamsons made the whole experience manageable. They were compassionate, clear, and always available when I needed reassurance. They explained every stage of the process and made me feel supported through the ups and downs.

“To anyone considering a claim, go for it. Speak to someone. Get the answers you need. If something feels wrong, let the experts help you find out the truth.”

Supporting Patients and Raising Awareness

The theme for this year’s World Head and Neck Cancer Day focuses on early detection and empowering patients. At Williamsons Solicitors, we believe in the importance of not only raising awareness about the warning signs of these cancers but also supporting those affected, through both expert legal advice and by encouraging vigilance among patients and healthcare professionals alike.

If you or a loved one have experienced a delay in the diagnosis or treatment of head and neck cancer, we understand how overwhelming and isolating this experience can be. Our Clinical Negligence Team is here to offer compassionate, confidential support and help you understand whether you may have a claim.