Lung Cancer Medical Negligence Failure to Screen High Risk Patients
LUNG CANCER MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE FAILURE TO SCREEN HIGH RISK PATIENTS
John Whelan Solicitor with specialist expertise in Lung Cancer Medical Negligence gives an example of failure to screen high risk Patients.
Case Example: Failure to Screen a High Risk Patient for Lung Cancer
Patient Background:
A Patient with a has a history of hypertension and high cholesterol. The Patient sees the GP regularly for management of these chronic conditions but has no major symptoms like a persistent cough or chest pain.
Despite the smoking history, the GP does not discuss lung cancer screening during any of the routine visits. The Patient is unaware of the availability and importance of lung cancer screening for former heavy smokers.
Missed Opportunity for Screening:
The Patient falls into a high risk category for lung cancer based on the smoking history.
However, the GP does not bring up screening or offer a referral for low dose CT imaging. The Patient remains unaware that the Patient qualifies for lung cancer screening.
Progression of Disease:
Two years later, the Patient develops a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss. A chest X-ray is ordered, revealing a large mass in the right upper lobe. A CT scan and biopsy confirm stage IIIA non small cell lung cancer, with involvement of nearby lymph nodes. At this point, the cancer has progressed, and more aggressive treatment options, including chemotherapy and radiation, are required.
If the Patient had been screened with annual low dose CT scans, the lung cancer could have been detected earlier, at stage I or II, when it was localised and potentially curable with surgery or targeted therapy.
Issues:
- Failure to Offer Screening.
- Lack of Preventive Care Discussion.
- Delayed Diagnosis.
Important points from the Case:
- Missed Screening Opportunity.
- Importance of Screening in Former Smokers.
- Preventive Care Discussions
For more detailed insights into how the Patient Safety Act 2023 impacts you and how Whelan Law can support you, please visit our Lung Cancer Medical Negligence https://www.whelanlaw.ie/news/rising-lung-cancer-medical-negligence-claims-a-reflection-of-modern-medicine/