LUNG CANCER MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE PATIENT SAFETY
Ignoring Patients Symptoms
John Whelan Solicitor with specialist expertise in Lung Cancer Medical Negligence gives a case example of Ignoring Patients Symptoms
Case Example
Patient Background:
A Patient with a smoking history visits their GP complaining of a persistent cough and occasional chest pain that has been worsening over the last two months. The Patient also reports feeling more fatigued than usual, especially after physical activity. The Patient denies any significant weight loss but notes that their appetite has decreased.
The Patient has a family history of lung cancer, as their father was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer at the age of 60. However, the patient is generally healthy aside from smoking and reports no other medical issues.
Initial Assessment and Response:
The GP conducts a physical exam and listens to the Patient’s chest, noting some mild wheezing. The GP attributes the symptoms to a viral respiratory infection or chronic bronchitis, given the Patient's smoking history. The GP recommends over the counter cough medicine and advises the Patient to rest. The Patient is told that the symptoms should improve in a few weeks.
Despite the Patient’s continued complaints of fatigue, chest pain, and worsening cough over the next several weeks, the GP does not pursue further diagnostic testing. The Patient returns for a follow up visit after another month, still complaining of persistent symptoms. The GP reiterates that the symptoms are likely due to smoking related bronchitis and offers more cough suppressant medication, dismissing the need for imaging or further evaluation.
Delayed Diagnosis:
At this point, the Patient seeks a second opinion from a different doctor. After a thorough evaluation, the new GP orders a chest Xray, which reveals a mass in the left lung. The Patient is referred for a CT scan, which shows a large tumour in the left lung, along with evidence of lymph node involvement and early metastasis to the liver, confirming the diagnosis of stage IV non-small cell lung cancer.
By the time the cancer is diagnosed, the disease has already advanced, and the opportunity for curative surgery is lost. The Patient begins chemotherapy and palliative care but faces a poor prognosis due to the advanced stage of the cancer.
Issues:
Dismissing Symptoms.
Failure to Investigate Persistent Symptoms.
Delayed Diagnosis.
Important Points from the Case:
Do Not Dismiss Symptoms in High Risk Patients.
Early Diagnostic Testing.
Patient Empowerment.
What should be done:
Thorough Assessment of Symptoms.
Referral to a Specialist.
Patient Education and Advocacy.
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/