Misdiagnosis of Breast Cancer

Whilst October 1^st marks the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a worldwide campaign to highlight the importance of breast awareness, education and research into this life-changing disease, what do you do if Doctors wrongly diagnose you with breast cancer?

Recently in the news, is the story of Sarah Boyle, a 28-year old mother from Stoke on Trent, who was told she had an aggressive form of breast cancer, after having difficulty breast feeding her 6-month old baby son.  Mrs Boyle was sent for a biopsy and a scan and underwent a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and reconstructive surgery.

However, Mrs Boyle later discovered that the biopsy was mis-reported and in fact she did not have breast cancer, the surgery and treatment had all been unnecessary.

This was incredibly difficult news from Mrs Boyle and her family to absorb; the trauma of being diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment, that has left Mrs Boyle unable to breast feed her second son and the concern about future health complications.  Mrs Boyle describes the medical error as making her life “incredibly difficult”.

Mrs Boyle is now pursuing a medical negligence claim against the Hospital, who have admitted the mistake.

In Mrs Boyle’s case the Trust which runs the hospital have said the misreporting of the biopsy was due to human error and all cancer diagnoses are reviewed by a second pathologist.

The full story can be read on BBC News.

At Williamsons, we have unfortunately, seen a number of similar cases of misdiagnosis, where patients have undergone needless surgery, treatment and reconstruction, having a devastating impact on their life.  Whilst the outcome cannot be changed, we assist our client’s in bringing medical negligence claims against the medical professionals/hospitals who have made the error.  In addition to receiving compensation, for their pain and suffering and any financial losses they have suffered because of the negligence, our clients hope that by bringing their claim, it highlights the error that has been made and prevents other patients experiencing similar mistakes in the future.

If you have been the victim of a misdiagnosis and undergone needless surgery and/or subsequent treatment, then please contact our expert clinical negligence department, who will assist you with bringing a medical negligence claim.  Our contact number is 01482 323 697.