However, Kashmir Uppal, specialist clinical negligence solicitor based in the Birmingham office of Shoosmiths solicitors, knows only too well of the tragic circumstances of failures to appropriately treat or delayed diagnosis.
Kashmir has recently settled a case for a lady who suffered a recurrence of breast cancer in residual breast tissue which she had no idea about as she believed that all the toxic breast tissue had been removed when she underwent a mastectomy in 2006. Unbeknown to her, Mr Paterson, who performed the operation, failed to remove all of the breast tissue and because she had an immediate reconstruction, the presence of the residual breast tissue could not be detected.
Our client was shocked to discover that she had recurrence of the breast cancer in 2019, when she had to have the reconstructed breast taken down. Although she suffered residual problems following the otherwise unnecessary surgery, thankfully the cancer had not spread further. However, Kashmir was very saddened to hear of the recent death of a former client who had also undergone a cleavage sparing mastectomy performed by Mr Paterson.
With any delayed cancer diagnosis or treatment claim it will be necessary to show that an earlier diagnosis (or treatment) would have altered the long-term outcome for the patient, but the chances of improving that outcome are greatly increased the earlier treatment begins.
That’s why being aware of the early symptoms remains crucial and at a time when everything from treatment to screenings have been disrupted and the support provided by charities such as Breast Cancer Now becomes even more important in helping men and woman diagnosed with breast cancer to live and live well.
Further information about the symptoms of breast cancer can be found at:
- the signs of breast cancer – https://breastcancernow.org/information-support/check-your-breasts/learn-signs-breast-cancer
- the signs of breast cancer in men – https://breastcancernow.org/information-support/have-i-got-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-in-men
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. © Shoosmiths LLP 2024
