A 78 year old gentleman received £5,769.53 in compensation for delays in diagnosis and treatment of his skin cancer, Actinic Keratosis caused by a delay by his GP in referring him to a dermatologist. By the time his skin cancer was diagnosed it had become more advanced and he had to undergo an a further two surgical procedures as the cancer had become more advanced.
In November 2010 the claimant went to see his GP complaining of scabs on his scalp. His GP recorded a history of an infected scalp and prescribed him the antibiotic, Clarithromycin. Despite the antibiotics, his symptoms did not improve and so he returned to his GP. It was recorded in the GP notes that his scalp continued to be infected with pus and scabs. He diagnosed a condition of keratosis as the claimant had a 4 to 5 year history of suffering with scabs on his scalp. The GP prescribed him yet another course of antibiotics.
The claimant re-attended on his GP about a week later by which time his scalp was severely inflamed and he had developed an ulcer. The GP arranged to refer him to dermatology. Whilst the GP noted his suspicion of a squamous cell carcinoma, he failed to refer him on an urgent basis.
It was not until early March 2011 that he was seen by a dermatologist. A biopsy was undertaken. The results of this biopsy were reported as a moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.
On the 15th April 2011, he was operated on by a plastic surgeon to carry out a further excisional biopsy and skin graft. He was told that he would need a further surgical procedure to remove more tissue with further skin grafting following this procedure.
The claimant alleged that the GP was negligent for failing to refer him to a dermatologist on an urgent basis. This caused a three-month delay in him being seen by dermatologist. It was alleged that if he had been seen earlier, the tumour would have been less advanced, and he would not have required such extensive surgery. Due to the delays in his management, he required two additional operations.
The defendants denied liability and causation of his injuries.
Despite this denial, the defendant offered a global offer of settlement in the sum of £5,769.53 for his pain and suffering and loss of amenity.
For more information about the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer see our skin cancer guide. If you feel you could have a skin cancer claim, get in touch with our helpful and friendly staff today.
