Cancer Diagnosis Negligence and Compensation for Carcinoma Fatality

When Sandra experienced an unusual, prolonged vaginal bleed of over two weeks, her concerns prompted her to see her GP. Although taken aback when the GP asked her what she attributed her symptoms to, she was not surprised when the GP agreed that it was probably due to the menopause. Following blood tests, Sandra was told that she was, indeed, peri-menopausal.

Unfortunately, Sandra's GP, despite taking her blood pressure and checking her pulse, did not undertake or arrange a pelvic examination which, according to our medical expert, should have occurred for an unusual bleed of this duration.

The following year, Sandra again experienced a prolonged bleed alongside some dizziness and attended a second GP.

Once again, no pelvic examination was carried out. An assumption seems to have been made that the menopause was to blame and Sandra was advised to take iron for her dizziness.

In the light of subsequent events, and bearing in mind the appropriate NICE guidelines, our medical expert was of the opinion that, not only should Sandra have undergone a pelvic examination on both these occasions, but that had she done so, signs of the early stages of a carcinoma would have been visible. This should have prompted an urgent referral within the cancer care guidelines, leading to a diagnosis of the disease at the point when it was still 'amenable to control'.

Unfortunately, it was not until over nine months later that a third GP did carry out a pelvic examination and observed an unexpected mass, described as 'fleshy', and Sandra was diagnosed with Stage 4 clear cell carcinoma of the cervix a month later.

Over the following months, Sandra underwent both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Surgery was considered on more than one occasion but was ultimately regarded as not suitable to Sandra's particular circumstances. Not surprisingly, treatment took a significant toll on Sandra's body, causing her to suffer swelling, pain, urinary difficulties and on-going bowel symptoms. The quality of life of a once active and healthy woman was also diminished. Over the course of the following year it became apparent that Sandra's cancer had spread to the bowel. Treatment began to focus on palliative care rather than a cure and, very sadly, Sandra died two and a half years after her original diagnosis.

Whilst her treatment was on-going, Sandra approached Glynns to investigate the quality of her care. Following her death, we continued this process on behalf of her husband and her estate. The claim addressed Sandra's pain and suffering as well as the costs of care and alterations to the marital home. Compensation was also provided for the loss of earnings due to Sandra's early and unexpected death.

An award in excess of £650,000.00 was made in compensation.

(Details which might identify our client have been changed.)

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