Compensation claims for misreporting of smears, scans or biopsies
All scans, smears, biopsies and mammograms are reliant on the doctor or nurse who is interpreting them.
A scan can only be acted on if it is read correctly. It is therefore vital that these scans are examined and reviewed by experts in their field who can correctly interpret them and advise the patient as to appropriate next steps and treatment.
Smears
A smear test or cervical smear is a screening test for carcinoma of the cervix (cancer of the neck of the womb). This type of cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women and causes a significant amount of deaths each year. By examining a small amount of cells from the cervix a prediction as to whether a patient is likely to develop cancer later on can be made. This is cervical cytology.
In the UK smears are routinely offered to women between the ages of 25 and 65 at a three yearly basis between 25 and 49 and a five yearly basis between 50 and 64.
The smear can show normal cells, but some can show evidence of other conditions such as thrush which is a chance finding and not what the smear is designed to detect. On some occasions there may be insufficient cells for analysis and a repeat smear may be necessary. This is more common in older women.
If the cells show signs of being inflamed, suspicious or actually cancerous the laboratory will usually suggest a repeat smear in a few months or advise a referral to a specialist gynaecologist for a closer look at the cervix. It will be necessary for the patient’s doctor or nurse to make the appropriate referrals or follow up appointments. Carcinoma of the cervix usually takes between 10 and 12 years to develop but as with all cancers earlier, detection increases the chances of survival and full recovery.
Scans
The most common scans used in the detection of cancer are CT (or CAT) scans, MRI scans, ultrasound scans and bone scans.
CT scans can also be used for other purposes where it is important to determine the exact location of a tumour. These include guiding biopsies and therapeutic pain procedures - and planning radiotherapy treatments.
An MRI scan can produce images containing detailed definition of all the tissues, normal and abnormal, in the body. Pictures can be taken from multiple angles; this is not possible with a CT scan.
Ultrasound scans can also be used for other purposes following cancer diagnosis, where it is important to determine the exact location of a tumour. These include guiding biopsies and therapeutic pain procedures - and planning radiotherapy
A bone scan involves injecting a radioactive tracer into the vein. Abnormal bone absorbs more of the radioactivity than normal bone, so this shows up on the scan as highlighted areas. The radioactivity levels used in these scans are very low and disappear from the body within a few hours.
Biopsies
Biopsies are usually used to make a conclusive diagnosis. A number of cells from the problem area are taken either with a needle (often under local anaesthetic) or surgically. The cells are then examined under a microscope.
Mammograms
There are two common types of mammograms: screening and diagnostic. A screening mammogram is typically done in the UK on women between the ages of 50 and 70 every 3 years. The aim of the screening mammogram is to pick up any sign of cancer whilst it is still small and hasn’t spread. Diagnostic mammograms are arranged where there is concern about, for example, a breast lump detected on examination either by a medical professional or by the patient themselves.
Making a claim how we can help
If a medical professional has failed to exercise due care reporting any of these tests or arranging suitable follow up investigations then you may have a claim against them.
Making a medical negligence claim
For free, expert advice on making a medical negligence claim click here or call us free on 0800 0382 382. We are available to take your call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
If you want to provide some details to us in advance, why not let us assess your claim now.
