Bladder Cancer Missed
Lucas's GP failed to refer him to a cancer specialist for tests, even though he was displaying signs of bladder cancer. His tumour was eventually discovered, but by that stage it was so large his bladder and prostate had to be removed.
Over a period of six years, Lucas repeatedly attended his GP with problems concerning his bladder. He had symptoms such as blood in his urine and passing small hard stones. He received differing diagnoses, including a urinary tract infection and kidney stones.
At these attendances he was given antibiotics or told to drink plenty of water, depending upon the diagnosis. However, he never actually had a urine test, nor was he ever referred to a specialist for further tests.
His bladder function did improve, but Lucas was starting to feel very ill with headaches, nausea and fatigue. He returned to the GP who took a blood sample, but no further action was taken until several months later when he went back for a urine test and prostate examination.
This time the GP did refer Lucas to hospital. He attended the hospital for tests and was contacted by the urology unit two days later by telephone saying that he needed to come in urgently.
A few days later Lucas was admitted to hospital and was told that a scan had revealed a growth in his bladder. He was examined under anaesthetic and a cancerous tumour was found. Some of the tumour was removed during the surgery but another operation was required.
He remained in hospital and underwent a cystoprostatectomy with the insertion of an ileal neobladder. In essence he had his bladder removed and replaced by a section of bowel. His prostrate was also removed.
He was discharged from hospital with four waste bags attached to him. In order to urinate he has to self-catheterise. As a result of this his lower bodily functions have changed completely as he has no functioning bladder. He has lost sexual function and suffers recurrent urinary tract infections.
Lucas has become very depressed since his cancer treatment. His ill health means he is unable to help around the home. He has been unable to return to work as his job was very physical. Because Lucas was self-employed he has lost a significant amount of money.
When Lucas contacted us to discuss the care he received, we believed his GPs had been negligent in failing to refer him when he first reported blood in his urine. This would have led to earlier investigations and the tumour would have been detected in the early stages. The treatment would then have been less invasive and Lucas's bladder could have been saved.
We helped Lucas make a claim for medical negligence. He was awarded over £50,000 in compensation.
(Details which might identify our client have been changed.)
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