Alexander Harris Solicitors

Thyroid Cancer Misdiagnosis

Anatomy and physiology of the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland; this means that it produces hormones which are secreted into the blood stream and then act as messengers to affect cells and tissues in other parts of the body.

The thyroid gland is butterfly shaped and lies at the front Photograph of patient undergoing MRI scan of the windpipe in the lower part of the neck. On each side it curves backwards and comes to lie adjacent to the gullet which is situated behind the windpipe. Consequently, enlargements of the gland may produce pressure symptoms resulting in difficulty swallowing and/or breathing.

Types of Thyroid cancer

Cancer of the thyroid is very slow growing and it may be many years before symptoms present themselves. Cancer of the thyroid is uncommon and the average District General Hospital in the UK can expect to see about 6 cases a year.

Common types:

Papillary cell carcinoma - this is the most common. It is more common in younger people, particularly women
Follicular cell carcinoma - this is less common, and tends to occur in slightly older people than those with papillary cancer.

Rare types:

Medullary cell carcinoma - this is a rare cancer which is sometimes, but not always, hereditary.

Most thyroid cancers are very treatable and curable, but there is a possibility of recurrence in the very young and elderly people.

Symptoms

These may include:

A painless lump in the neck which gradually increases in size
Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) - due to the anatomical postion of the thyroid gland
Difficulty in breathing (dyspnoea)
Hoarseness of the voice
Often there are no symptoms and the tumour is found by chance
Overactive thyroid
Under active thyroid
Some patients may have painful neck (unusual)

Tests

These may include:

Fine needle aspiration - sample of cells taken from the lump/swelling
Blood tests - to see if the thyroid cells are within normal limits
Ultrasound scan - a picture if the thyroid gland is taken by the use of sound waves
Radioisotope scan - radioactive iodine given as an injection, then a camera is placed over the neck

Treatment

May include:

Surgery - thyroidectomy - to remove whole are part of the gland
Radiotherapy

Areas of negligence: Thyroid Cancer Misdiagnosis

Failure to refer by GP
Delay in referring by GP
Delay in performing appropriate investigations
Misinterpreting test results

The earlier the tumour is diagnosed the better a patient's prognosis and the less radical the surgery.

Julia's story
Photograph taking prescription from GP For over four years, Julia attended her GP complaining of a hoarse voice, pain in the neck and a lump in the neck. Initially, she was referred to ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) for further investigations which were all negative. However her symptoms continued and her GP diagnosed psychosomatic pain and prescribed painkillers.

By chance Julia was then seen by a locum GP who was unhappy with the symptoms she had presented over such a long period. He made an urgent referral for further investigations and she was later diagnosed with Medullary cancer. Unfortunately her prognosis is poor.

Alexander Harris are representing Julia in her clinical negligence claim for failure of the GP to refer her on for further tests which resulted in a delay in diagnosis.

If you believe that you might have a legal claim relating to Thyroid Cancer Misdiagnosis, please complete the online enquiry form or call 0870 024 0558. Your enquiry will be forwarded to a solicitor who specialises in Thyroid Cancer Misdiagnosis.

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