Breast cancer diagnosis falls through the cracks
AFTER NOTICING A LUMP IN HER LEFT BREAST, a woman in her 40s underwent a screening mammogram rather than a diagnostic mammogram at a local facility. The mammogram showed no abnormalities, but an ultrasound examination the following year was abnormal. The report was faxed to her physician, who reportedly didn’t receive it. No follow-up occurred.
A year later, the patient made a follow-up appointment on her own and underwent diagnostic mammography and surgical biopsy, which revealed advanced breast cancer. A vacuum-assisted core biopsy and clip localization the following month revealed infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy resulted in complications and hospitalization. The patient subsequently underwent additional chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
PLAINTIFF’S CLAIM The defendant health care facility didn’t properly evaluate the patient for breast cancer.
THE DEFENSE The defendant denied liability and asserted that its personnel acted within the standard of care.
VERDICT $575,000 South Carolina settlement.
COMMENT Follow-up and tracking of results remain key in preventing malpractice.