Family secures settlement following delayed melanoma diagnosis
Helen Morland, Partner in Hay & Kilner’s Clinical Negligence Team, acted for the family of a young woman whose melanoma was not diagnosed until the cancer had spread.
The young woman first visited her GP after becoming concerned about a mole that had changed in size and appearance. Her GP recognised potential warning signs and urgently referred her to a specialist melanoma clinic.
At the melanoma clinic, she was told the mole was not cancerous and was reassured there was nothing to worry about. The patient and her mother later said that a dermatoscope, a handheld device used to closely examine skin lesions, was not used during the assessment.
Relieved by the reassurance she received, the patient carried on with everyday life. However, the following year she returned to her GP after remaining concerned about changes to the mole. She was referred back to the melanoma clinic, where the mole was removed and tested.
The results confirmed stage 1b melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Further surgery was carried out to remove surrounding tissue, and she was later told there was no evidence of further disease.
Several years later, the patient became seriously unwell. She experienced pain, numbness, difficulty speaking and problems walking. After a series of hospital appointments and scans, she was devastatingly diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma at just 24 years old. By this stage, the cancer had spread to other parts of her body, including her brain and bones.
She underwent extensive treatment including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The diagnosis had a devastating impact on both her and her family at a time when she had recently bought her first home with her long-term partner and was building a career she loved.
Helen was instructed to investigate a potential clinical negligence claim. Independent medical experts concluded that the care provided during the first melanoma clinic appointment fell below an acceptable standard. Evidence also supported that, had the mole been removed at that time, the cancer would likely have been cured before it spread.
Although liability was denied by the Defendant Trust, both parties agreed to take part in mediation.
Tragically, the patient passed away before the mediation took place. The claim was continued by her parents on behalf of her Estate, and a settlement of £450,000 was secured.
Following the settlement, the family said:
“This has been an incredibly painful journey for our family, and no amount of compensation will ever make up for the loss of our daughter. We hope that by speaking about what happened, greater awareness can be raised about the importance of properly investigating concerns about melanoma at the earliest opportunity.”
Helen Morland said:
“This was a tragic and potentially avoidable death of a young woman whose melanoma should have been diagnosed earlier. Had an appropriate diagnosis been made in time, she would have received treatment which would have prevented the cancer spreading. Our client’s family and all those who loved her have been devastated by what has happened and hope that by speaking publicly, greater awareness can be raised about the importance of recognising suspicious skin changes and acting promptly.”
For more information about how Hay & Kilner’s Clinical Negligence Team may be able to help you or your family, please contact Helen or a member of the team on 0191 232 8345.
