other undiagnosed/ misdiagnosed/ missed tumours

There is now much greater public awareness towards the early detection of and treatment of cancer.  There are targets within the NHS relating to this priority area.

Tumours may be classified as benign or malignant.  Generally, cancer means a malignant tumour.  However a benign tumour can still cause serious illness.  One of the risks of cancer cells is that they spread to other sites in the body and the disease spreads.  Benign tumours tend to grow more slowly and do not usually spread elsewhere.  However, they can still cause considerable damage and ill effects, depending upon their location in the body.

We have experience of cases of 'benign' brain tumours which have affected parts of the brain.  This can lead to blockage of the cerebrospinal fluid which circulates in the ventricles of the brain causing increased pressure.  This may lead to damage including, blindness, strokes and paralysis.

Some tumours of the spine or surrounding tissues can be categorised as benign.  However, if they are located close to the spinal cord or major nerves they can cause nerve injury and compression leading to paralysis and incontinence.

Examples of benign tumours which can have serious effects in the brain are craniopharyngeoma, a tumour of the piluitary gland or meningioma, a tumour of the tissue lining the brain.

These are difficult and complex conditions requiring careful analysis of tumour growth, local pressure effects and consequential effects on other systems of the body.  We have the technical expertise to analyse and pursue these cases.

For further information please contact Alison McClure in the Clinical Negligence team on 023 8085 7345 or email alison.mcclure@bllaw.co.uk.