Medical Verdicts

Metastatic breast cancer follows unreported mammogram results


 

Dade County (Fla) Circuit Court

A woman underwent a routine mammogram in October 1999. The report indicated possible nodular density in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast. In August 2000, the woman discovered a mass in this same location during self-examination. She was later diagnosed with breast cancer that had metastasized. She underwent chemotherapy, a right modified radical mastectomy, and radiation therapy.

In suing, the patient claimed she was never contacted with the results of her 1999 mammogram or about the need for further testing.

The physician argued that he tried to contact the patient several times.

  • The jury awarded the plaintiff $6.8 million.
The cases presented here were compiled by Lewis L. Laska, editor of Medical Malpractice Verdicts, Settlements & Experts. While there are instances when the available information is incomplete, these cases represent the types of clinical situations that typically result in litigation.

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