Welsh Prostate Cancer Misdiagnosis

23 Jul 2008

A hospital in Carmarthen is carrying out a review of up to 500 prostate biopsy results, after it was revealed that several patients had been given an incorrect diagnosis.

As a result of pathology errors at the West Wales General Hospital, it has transpired that a number of patients were wrongly told that they did not have prostate cancer. Several others were informed that they did have cancer, but have since learnt that the diagnosis was incorrect and that they have been given unnecessary treatment.

Birmingham clinical negligence lawyer, Tim Deeming, has received instructions to act on behalf of one of the patients involved.

He explains: “I know of two patients who have been misdiagnosed and expect to hear from others, as these incidents are, in all likelihood, just the tip of the iceberg. It is our understanding that of the 500 reviews carried out by Carmarthenshire NHS Trust, now known as Hywell Dda NHS Trust, up to 70 patients may have been given the wrong diagnosis.

“I have been instructed to investigate the case of a 58 year old man from Llanelli, who has recently been given the devastating news that he has cancer after being told more than a year ago that there was no cause for concern.

Understandably, he and his family are extremely upset by the news and in particular the delay in treatment which could have implications on his long term prognosis.”

The patient, who wishes to remain anonymous, was referred by his GP to Werndale Hospital in Carmarthen in February 2007 as he had been suffering symptoms which needed further investigation. Several tests were performed, including a biopsy, and samples were sent to West Wales General Hospital for histopathology testing.  The samples were subsequently reported as being clear of any signs of malignancy.

However he received a letter from Carmarthenshire NHS Trust in March 2008 admitting there had been a number of errors in biopsy specimen results. When the sample was re-checked, confirmation was received that he was suffering from prostate cancer.

Tim Deeming added: "To add further insult to injury, there seems to be no urgency on the part of the Trust to offer immediate treatment for these patients who, through no fault of their own, have had their diagnoses delayed.

“My client has had to fight to get an urgent MRI scan and even now, some four months after the original failings came to light, he is still awaiting urgent oncology treatment."

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