Christopher Chaffey, a 19-year-old volunteer charity worker in England, recently died from a 4.4 pound chest tumor. Despite having repeated opportunities to properly diagnose Chaffey’s condition, doctors failed to detect the presence of the tumor until two days before his death.
Chaffey had visited his doctor regularly over a 15 month period, complaining of excessive sweating, hair loss, fainting, chest pain, headaches, and vomiting. Chaffey’s mother said that at one point, Chaffey had many veins protruding prominently through his chest. During one visit, blood tests showed evidence of low hemoglobin levels as well.
Despite the many warning signs exhibited by Chaffey, doctors attributed his symptoms to anxiety and told him to “grow up a bit and stop worrying there’s something wrong with him.”
By the time doctors found the 4.4 pound tumor in Chaffey’s chest, it was too late. The tumor affected his heart and lungs, while others had already developed in his neck and skull.
It is shocking that doctors could miss a tumor quite that large, especially given the many symptoms Chaffey had repeatedly complained of. Clearly, this cancer misdiagnosis is a blatant example of medical malpractice.
It is important to consult an experienced medical malpractice attorney when you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or even wrongful death as a result of a doctor’s negligent actions. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your damages.
If you have a medical malpractice claim in the Orlando, Florida area, please contact the Law Offices of Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D. today to schedule a consultation.
