A 35-year-old lady received compensation of £11,449.61 for a delay in diagnosis of a melanoma skin cancer on her right thigh. This meant she had to have an additional unnecessary procedure with additional scarring which would be permanent
A Five-figure Sum for a Lady Who Suffered Scarring After Delayed Diagnosis of Skin Cancer on Her Thigh
In August 2010 the claimant went to see her GP about a mole on her right thigh that she was worried about. She had noticed that the mole had become larger, slightly raised and had changed in colour. The GP noted that the mole was regular in colour and symmetrical. He diagnosed it to be a globular naevus.
The claimant returned to see her GP in May 2011 as she was still concerned about the appearance of her mole. She had noticed the mole change further in terms of both size and shape. Her GP reassured her and advised her that whilst the mole was not suspicious, it could be removed. Therefore, in early June 2011 the GP removed the mole at the request of the claimant by carrying out a shave biopsy.
When the histopathology report came back in June 2011, it confirmed that the lesion was a superficial spreading malignant melanoma. In early July 2011 a further histology report graded the melanoma as having a thickness of 2.1 mm and was categorised as being Clark’s level IV. In mid July 2011 an appointment was made for her to be seen by plastic surgeon to undergo a wide local excision of the lesion. Tissue measuring 47 mm x 42 mm was removed which confirmed that the melanoma had been removed in its entirety with no evidence of any residual or recurrent melanoma.
The claimant alleged that her GP had been negligent in failing to take a proper history of the lesion from her and failing to record a detailed history within her notes. The GP also failed to consider her age at the time of consultation and the fact that new moles should not be growing or changing significantly. Any change in size, or shape should have been treated suspiciously. She should have been referred to a specialist unit on an urgent basis for further assessment. Further there was a failure to follow NICE guidelines noting major features for suspicion such as the change in shape, size and colour as well as the minor features which included changes in sensation. She had reported the mole to be tender to touch and slightly raised. It was further alleged that the GP should not have carried out the shave biopsy as he had not received the appropriate accredited training to do so. It was more appropriate for a wide excision to be performed by a specialist.
The GP admitted breach of duty in this case.
The claimant suffered a ten month delay in diagnosis of the melanoma on her right thigh. This meant that by the time it was diagnosed she required a further excision surgery. This left her with a permanent indented scar on her leg measuring some 15 to 16 cm.
An out-of-court settlement was reached in the sum of £11, 449.61 for her pain and suffering and loss of amenity.
For more information on skin cancer and melanoma check out our dedicated skin cancer information page and get in touch today to see if you have a claim.
