Lung Cancer Medical Negligence Patient Safety Delayed Diagnosis of Recurrence
John Whelan Solicitor with specialist expertise in Lung Cancer Medical Negligence gives a case example of Delayed Diagnosis of Recurrence.
Patient Background:
A Patient with a history of stage IIB non small cell lung cancer underwent surgical resection (lobectomy) two years ago, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Post surgery, was monitored with regular follow up appointments, including chest Xrays and occasional CT scans, for signs of recurrence. The Patient’s cancer was considered in remission after treatment.
Surveillance and Early Symptoms:
During the Patient’s follow up visits over the next two years, the Patient remained asymptomatic, and imaging studies showed no signs of recurrence. However, in the Patient’s most recent follow up appointment, the Patient reports feeling unusually fatigued and experiencing shortness of breath over the past two months. The Patient also mentions a mild cough that has persisted for several weeks, which was initially attributed to a cold.
The Patients GP who manages the Patients follow up, orders a routine chest X ray, which shows no significant changes from the Patient prior images. Based on this, the GP dismisses the Patient’s symptoms as likely due to respiratory infection or age related changes and does not order further testing. The Patient is given antibiotics for a presumed respiratory infection and is advised to return in six months for the next follow up.
Delayed Diagnosis:
Four months later, the Patient returns to the clinic with worsening symptoms increased shortness of breath, persistent cough, and weight loss. A CT scan is finally ordered, revealing a recurrent lung mass and mediastinal lymph node involvement, as well as suspicious small nodules in the opposite lung, suggesting metastasis. A biopsy confirms that the lung cancer has recurred and is now stage IV.
Issues:
Failure to Investigate Symptoms Thoroughly.
Delayed Imaging and Diagnosis.
Misattribution of Symptoms.
Important Points from the case:
Vigilant Monitoring in Post Treatment Surveillance.
Use of Sensitive Imaging for High Risk Patients.
Timely Response to Symptoms.
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/