£32,500 Obtained Following A Delayed Diagnosis Of Cancer

Mr P had a long history of vascular disease and developed a persistent ulcer on his left leg in 2013. Over the following years, he was treated by community nurses and hospital specialists. He underwent several investigations, including scans and biopsies, but no cancer was identified.

Despite ongoing treatment, the ulcer continued to deteriorate. Further biopsies were carried out. Although concerns were raised about suspicious changes within the ulcer, the biopsies repeatedly reported no evidence of cancer.

Some months later clinicians again suspected that the ulcer may have become cancerous. A further biopsy was carried out, which confirmed the presence of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

Following the diagnosis, further investigations showed that the cancer had become extensive within the affected leg. Amputation was recommended as the most appropriate treatment option. However, due to Mr P’s deteriorating health, surgery was considered too high risk. He was instead offered immunotherapy treatment.

Sadly, Mr P passed away, with squamous cell carcinoma confirmed as the cause of death.

Upon instruction, Tancha reviewed Mr P’s medical records and obtained supportive expert medical evidence demonstrating that there had been missed opportunities to diagnose the cancer at an earlier stage, and that earlier diagnosis and treatment would, on the balance of probabilities, have altered the outcome. Tancha subsequently secured a financial settlement of £32,500.00.