Lung Cancer Medical Negligence Misinterpreting Imaging Results
Case Example: Misinterpretation of Lung Nodule on CT Scan
Patient Background:
A Patient with a history of smoking for 30 years presents with a chronic cough. The Patient ‘s GP orders a CT scan of the chest to assess for potential lung pathology.
Imaging Result:
The radiologist identifies a 3 cm lung nodule in the right upper lobe but classifies it as benign, suggesting that it could be a granuloma (a non-cancerous inflammation) due to the Patient’s history of living in an area with high rates of histoplasmosis (a fungal infection that can cause benign lung nodules). The recommendation is to follow up in one year with another CT scan.
Misinterpretation:
- The radiologist assumes the nodule is benign based on geographic history and appearance on imaging without correlating it to the Patient's high risk factors, such as long-term smoking.
- No biopsy or PET scan is recommended to further evaluate the nodule’s nature.
- The GP accepts the report without considering the Patient’s overall risk for lung cancer, leading to delayed further evaluation.
Outcome:
One year later, the follow up CT scan shows that the nodule has grown to 5 cm, and additional imaging reveals enlarged lymph nodes, suggesting that the lung cancer has progressed and metastasised. A biopsy confirms stage III non small cell lung cancer. Earlier intervention could have led to a diagnosis at stage I or II, which is more treatable and has better survival outcomes.
Important Points from the Case:
- Overreliance on Imaging Alone: Misinterpreting the nodule as benign based only on imaging characteristics without considering the Patient's smoking history delayed diagnosis.
- Failure to Correlate Clinical Risk: Not factoring in high risk features like age and smoking history led to an incorrect initial conclusion.
- Lack of Timely Follow up: Waiting one year for follow up imaging, in this case, allowed the cancer to grow and spread, worsening the patient’s prognosis.
What should have occurred:
- Multidisciplinary Evaluation.
- Biopsy for Suspicious Nodules.
- Aggressive Monitoring.
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/