Case Study
This case concerned a woman in her thirties who brought proceedings against the HSE and her GP over an alleged delay in diagnosing throat cancer. Over a two-year period, she attended her GP on several occasions with symptoms including a persistent sore throat, ear pain, and the sensation of something in her throat. She was referred for specialist review, but initially prescribed anti-inflammatory medication.
Despite further attendances, her symptoms continued and by mid-2016 she was struggling to swallow. In June 2016, she underwent a procedure but her difficulties persisted. By late June she attended the emergency department unable to swallow for three days. A CT scan in July revealed a 5cm tumour below the Adam’s apple, which was confirmed as malignant. Chemotherapy treatment followed.
Her claim was that, had her symptoms been properly investigated earlier, the cancer would have been identified and treated before reaching such an advanced stage. At the time of diagnosis she was also pregnant, which placed her at additional risk and required significant medical intervention including tube feeding.
The case was settled in the High Court for €700,000, without admission of liability. This case illustrates the critical importance of timely cancer diagnosis and the need for thorough follow-up and referral when symptoms persist.