-
Case ref:202204751
-
Date:January 2024
-
Body:Highland NHS Board
-
Sector:Health
-
Outcome:Not upheld, no recommendations
-
Subject:Clinical treatment / diagnosis
Summary
C complained that their cancer diagnosis was unreasonably delayed. They had previously suffered from cancer which had been successfully treated. C believed there was an inappropriate focus on the wrong part of their throat as a consequence, and that this combined with inadequate review of the CT imaging of their oesophagus had resulted in a delayed diagnosis, much more significant surgery and had allowed the cancer to spread to other parts of their body. C believed the extent of the cancer when diagnosed, meant it must have been visible earlier in the diagnostic process.
We took advice from a consultant ear, nose and throat surgeon. We found that C was correctly examined and there was no evidence of failings in their care. It was not possible to determine whether earlier diagnosis would have resulted in a different outcome for C. We did not uphold the complaint.