A woman sought help for health problems that should have led to a physical doctor's examination, but she received assessment and treatment only via telephone for nine months, according to officials. The delayed diagnosis of ovarian cancer worsened the patient's prognosis, an official said. This incident, where a cancer diagnosis was delayed, spans several years from 2021 to 2025.
In the ovarian cancer case, a woman in her 80s sought a health center due to swallowing difficulties for a couple of months. Initial investigation including gastroscopy showed no abnormalities, but the woman's symptoms persisted, officials reported. Further investigation revealed cell changes in the thyroid gland, and the continued investigation took time and became complicated.
When the patient was later operated on, widespread cancer was found that was no longer curable. The incident is being reported to the Health and Social Care Inspectorate (IVO) under Lex Maria. The health center has conducted an internal investigation and developed an action plan with improvement measures.
Measures have been taken to prevent a similar incident from happening again, officials confirmed. In an additional case, the health center initiated symptom-relieving treatment, but the patient's problems continued. Despite repeated healthcare contacts, the diagnosis was not reconsidered.
When the patient sought emergency care, widespread intestinal cancer was diagnosed.