Patient suffers progression of kidney cancer when hospital loses scan

This case study demonstrates the expertise of our Clinical Negligence team who obtained £60,000 compensation in a claim where the results of a CT scan remained undiscovered for 12 months by which time the tumour had increased in size having an adverse effect on her prognosis, which was then very poor.

The claimant who had a history of ovarian cancer was seen at the oncology clinic complaining of severe pain in her pelvis and groin. A CT scan was performed which found a 4.3 cm mass but did not involve the renal vein or adjacent structures. The findings were strongly suggestive of renal cell carcinoma but the scan results lay undiscovered until nearly 12 months later when she underwent an US scan for epigastric pain which identified a renal mass measuring 5.3 x 5 cm. 

She underwent a laparoscopic right nephrectomy, the pathology of which confirmed invasion of the pelvis and renal vein. 

A routine scan performed 19 months later found multiple small pulmonary nodules. A biopsy of the lung confirmed that these were related to the renal cell carcinoma.

Our expert confirmed that had diagnosis been made at the time of the first scan, the tumour would have undergone the same surgery but would have survived. As a result of the negligence, her prognosis was reduced to between 9 and 24 months. 

While, the compensation would not enable the claimant to turn the clock back, it did enhance the quality of life which remained and enabled her to visit her husband's family in Italy.

Read more about our experience in cases involving cancer.

Patricia Fearnley specialises in cancer cases. If you would like to ask Patricia a question about a potential case involving cancer or you have a general query about medical negligence, contact her on 01892 701319 in confidence.

We have one of the largest and most experienced specialist medical negligence teams in Southern England including London. Our team of highly experienced lawyers has the depth and range of expertise essential in this sensitive and often complex area of law. Our clinical negligence team is very proud to be ranked Number 1 in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners UK.