Missed Diagnosis of Malignant Melanoma

The TSP Clinical Negligence team recently handled a claim on behalf of Mrs X who had an uneven brown lump appear on her hand. The lump appeared quite quickly and was irregular in shape. Mrs X was referred by her GP to a consultant dermatologist at the hospital. The dermatologist examined Mrs X but did not think that the lump was anything serious and Mrs X was discharged from his care. Mrs X was not told to keep an eye on the lump or to return to her GP if she noticed any changes. Unfortunately the lump continued to get bigger and change in shape. Eventually Mrs X returned to her GP who again referred her to the hospital. By this time she had a malignant melanoma and because of the delay in treatment the cancer had also spread to her lymph nodes and her brain. Mrs X started the claim procedure herself but unfortunately died during the course of her claim. The team has continued with the claim on behalf of Mrs X's estate.