Cancer patients aghast over misdiagnosis

Cancer patients aghast over misdiagnosis

Due to misdiagnosis by a radiologist, twenty-two women who had breast cancer were told and repeatedly assured that there was nothing wrong with them. The error might cost some of them their lives.

In two U.K. hospitals, namely the North Manchester General Hospital and the Trafford General Hospital at least 2500 cancer scans had to be reviewed after doubts over the diagnosis. It turned out the 238 scans had been wrongly diagnosed out of which 22 women who were earlier given an O.K. report actually had breast cancer.

At least 17 women have suffered 3 months of delay in diagnosis. In one case the diagnosis got delayed by two years. Due to delay in diagnosis the patients may have to undergo harsh medication and also run a greater risk of succumbing to the disease. “The longer the delay, then of course, your risks are going to go up,” said Dr Sarah Rawlings of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

And according to Dr Richard Campbell, Medical Director at Trafford General Hospital, “It is possible we think in 17 cases, out of 22, the delay in diagnosis was long enough that it might alter their outcome.”

The re-examination of the cases was ordered when some discrepancies were discovered in the X-ray reports made by the radiologist. The radiologist responsible for the goof-up has been suspended but has not been named.

“The consultant's name should not be secret. He didn't do his job properly. He should not be suspended on full pay. I'm lucky to be here talking. But for the other women, it does not sound good,” said a patient who is going to sue the hospital.

The Health Authority of Greater Manchester has issued a public apology in the case. “On behalf of the health authority I offer my apologies to the women affected by this, and for the worry and distress caused, in particular to the patients whose cancer diagnosis became delayed as a result of this incident,” said Chris Harrison, spokesperson of the Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority (GMSHA).