Cian O’Carroll Solicitors Logo

At Cian O’Carroll Solicitors, we act for patients and families who want answers. Working with leading international medical experts, we investigate two key questions:

1. Did the care fall below an acceptable standard?
2. Did any delay in diagnosis or treatment cause significant harm?

If so, we help our clients vindicate their legal rights and obtain redress.

What is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the lining of the stomach, creating a tumour. Because its symptoms can resemble more common conditions, it is often difficult to detect early.

Possible symptoms include:

  • Persistent indigestion, heartburn, or stomach pain
  • Feeling full or bloated
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blood in stools or dark stools
  • Fatigue or jaundice
The Irish Cancer Society advises that if these symptoms persist for more than 4–6 weeks, you should see your GP.
Breast Cancer Screening Misdiagnosis
Testing and Diagnosis
Diagnosis may begin with a GP consultation, blood tests, or stool samples. If cancer is suspected, hospital investigations can include:
  • Endoscopy – passing a camera into the stomach to check for abnormal tissue and take biopsies
  • Endoscopic ultrasound – to assess tumours more closely
  • Barium meal x-rays – to highlight abnormalities in the stomach or bowel
There is no national screening programme for stomach cancer, but risk factors include family history, chronic gastritis, Barrett’s oesophagus, gastric polyps, and certain viral infections.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the stage of the disease. Surgery is the most common approach, involving either a partial gastrectomy (removal of part of the stomach) or a total gastrectomy (removal of the entire stomach). Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies may also be used. In some cases, bypass surgery is performed to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
When Delays Amount to Negligence

Irish law is protective of doctors, and not every mistake will amount to negligence. However, failures such as the following may give rise to a claim:

  • Failure by a GP to carry out a proper examination
  • Failure to refer a patient for timely investigations
  • Failure by a hospital to carry out appropriate tests
  • Misinterpretation of biopsy or scan results
  • Failure to follow up or initiate treatment without delay

Delays in diagnosis can mean more aggressive treatment, a loss of chance of survival, and in some cases avoidable deaths.

At Cian O’Carroll Solicitors, we have successfully acted in cases where serious failures led to delayed diagnosis of stomach cancer. We work with leading independent medical experts to provide clear answers and, where negligence is confirmed, to secure justice and compensation for our clients.

Black man, stress and empathy with therapist for therapy session or mental health at appointment. African, male person or patient with psychologist for counselling, helpful advice or consolidation

RECENT CASES

Learn more about our cases and how we have worked with our clients to achieve life changing results in terms of damages, provision of care and accountability.

€1.5 Million Settlement in Gastric Cancer Medical Negligence Case

Case Study: June 2026 Alaina Hogan of Cian O’Carroll Solicitors recently secured a €1.5 million settlement in a complex medical…

Read More

Failure to Act on Warning Signs Leads to Advanced Cancer

Case Study: April 2022 In December 2021, High Court proceedings were issued on behalf of our client a 42 year…

Read More

Urgent Settlement Following Delayed Cancer Diagnosis​

Case Study: February 2022 At Cian O’Carroll Solicitors, our team acted in a High Court medical negligence case involving a…

Read More
View All