Failure by gynecologist to review an abnormal pap smear test result.

Our client, Melissa, had experienced abnormal vaginal bleeding (haemorrhagia). She was referred to a gynaecologist for treatment and had routine annual pap smear tests. Test results were returned but not reviewed by the gynaecologist. They showed that there were highly suspicious pre-cancerous cells which required further urgent tests and potentially biopsy.

It was discovered over a year later during a hysterectomy to remove a fibroid from Melissa’s uterus that she had grade three endometrioid adenocarcinoma with extensive lymphovascular invasion.

She subsequently needed to undergo chemotherapy and radiation and her life expectancy is likely to now be substantially reduced. Melissa and her family are also severely psychologically traumatised and Melissa has been unable to work while she is undergoing treatment.

If the pap smear results had been reviewed by the gynaecologist, she could have been treated earlier and before the cancer had metastasized to other parts of her body.

Melissa’s case is currently active and we are in the process of gathering expert evidence to support her claim.

If you or someone you know has suffered an injury as a consequence of a doctor not informing them of and/or acting upon an abnormal test result, we would be pleased to discuss your/their options in a free initial consultation. You can either book an appointment online or call us on (02) 4050 0330 to make an appointment with one of our expert medical negligence solicitors.