Doctor Mistakes Cancer for Benign Growth

This case takes place in Connecticut and involves a female patient who during a routine physical examination, was noted to have a vaginal nodule. She referred the patient to an Ob-Gyn, who examined her using a tool to pierce the mass. He concluded that the mass was a benign cyst and sent the patient home. At her next complete physical examination, her PCP palpated a large mass. Some time later, an ultrasound showed a mass on her bladder and at the level of her vagina and rectum. The mass was initially diagnosed as a begin growth. It was later determined to be a malignant tumor. She underwent external beam radiation therapy and radical surgery, which eventually resulted in the removal of multiple organs. Since the surgery, the patient’s prognosis has not improved, and she has suffered a substantial decrease in her quality of life.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

Expert Witness Response E-005949

As a gynecologic oncologist I routinely treat patients similar to the one described in this case. These cases are typically referred to me by general Ob-Gyn physicians, so I have seen patients with this outcome but they did not progress to this stage while under my care. I have 20+ years of experience as a gynecologic oncologist and currently I am the director of Gynecology Oncology Fellowship at a Major East Coast University Affiliated Medical Center. I am available to review the records on behalf of the plaintiff and potentially testify to my findings. It appears to me that the mass should have been appropriately identified at an earlier point in the patient’s care, and that she would have had a better outcome if this had been the case.

Contact this expert witness