Failure to Identify Recurring Cervical Cancer

Our client was diagnosed with cervical cancer, following which she underwent a radical hysterectomy. She was regularly reviewed thereafter.

Despite having problems with bleeding, our client’s gynaecologist was of the opinion that she was menopausal. Even though she reported that these symptoms occurred regularly, the recurrence of her cervical cancer was not diagnosed until 12 to 18 months after her initial complaints. Our client was understandably aggrieved that the diagnosis could have been made earlier, and that as a result of the delay, there was a delay in her receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The cancer was also pressing on her kidney, resulting in kidney damage.

Expert evidence was commissioned from specialists in Gynaecology and Oncology. It became apparent during our investigations that even before our client was diagnosed with cervical cancer, there had been a lost opportunity in diagnosing this condition much earlier, as abnormal smear tests were not acted upon. Further expert evidence suggested that had those smear tests been correctly interpreted and acted upon, her precancerous condition would have been diagnosed and she would have been cured.

The claim was defended throughout. However, with our specialist advice and the support of experts, it was possible to secure a settlement for our client in the sum of £135,000.00.