Italian doctors being sued after 'treating woman with cancer for months on the wrong breast'

A woman in Italy is reportedly suing her local hospital after she received four months of cancer treatment on the wrong breast.

The 40-year-old woman found a lump in her left breast, and was diagnosed with breast cancer at an oncological hospital in the northern town of Rimini, according to the local news outlet TGCOM24.

She began receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, but after four months and her 22nd session noticed a burn mark on her healthy right breast.

After confronting her doctor, who reportedly confirmed she had indeed been treated on the wrong breast, the woman has now brought a case against the health authority for medical negligence, and is claiming €800,000 (£650,000).

According to her lawyer, Roberto Urbinati, the mistake has set back the patient’s chances of survival by “no less than 20 per cent”, in a case that is unprecedented in the country.

“It’s the first case in Italy of such an error,” he told TGCOM24.

“In the world, only in the United States in Pennsylvania, [has there been] a similar [case] to that at the Rimini hospital,” Mr Urbinati said.

The woman was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. The investigating judge is still assessing the claim, and a hearing that was scheduled for last Tuesday has been postponed, The Local reported.

This article is courtesy from The Independent.

NHS set up helpline to deal with breast surgeon concerns

An NHS helpline has been set up for patients of the breast cancer surgeon Ian Paterson who is being investigated for possible misconduct.

Dr Aresh Anwar, medical director for Solihull Hospital, said: "We have invited all of Mr Paterson's patients who underwent a mastectomy to see an alternative surgeon for a review of their treatment and care.

"We are keen to hear from any patient who may have concerns or further questions and have set up a helpline to ensure that these can be addressed quickly."

The Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust advice line can be contacted on 0121 424 5473 between 9am and midday, Monday to Friday.

This article is courtesy of itv news.