Delay in Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer : $1.6 Million Settlement
Plaintiffs claim examinations showed enlarged thyroid and narrowing of airway due to a visible mass
2025 Medical Malpractice Lawyer’s Report
By Krysia Syska, Medical Malpractice Attorney for the Plaintiff
Essex Superior Court, Massachusetts
Case summary
This medical malpractice case was resolved through mediation awarding $1,600,000 for the delay in diagnosing and treating medullary cancer of the thyroid in 13-year-old boy.
Case background
Plaintiff was 13 years old when he was diagnosed with metastatic medullary cancer of the thyroid in June 2018. Beginning in August 2017, his parents took him to his pediatrician with complaints that he was having difficulty breathing, noisy breathing after activities and SOB with exertion. The defendant pediatrician diagnosed him with vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) and advised him on breathing techniques. Over the next four months, the minor plaintiff was seen by the defendant for the same complaints but there was no referral to a specialist.
In January 2018, during an annual exam the defendant noted a normal thyroid. Plaintiff’s expert reviewed photographs taken during this same time frame and opined that the photographs clearly show an enlarged thyroid and the alleged examination of the thyroid could not have been properly performed. Given the continued complaints, however, a referral was finally made to an otolaryngologist for evaluation of VCD.
Plaintiff was seen by defendant otolaryngologist in late January 2018. His assessment was possible VCD and recommended chest x-ray to rule out other pathology. A chest x-ray was obtained that same day. The study was read as normal by the defendant radiologist. However, he questioned if plaintiff had clothing on during the study and recommended a repeat study. This was done 2 weeks later and was also read as normal. Plaintiff’s radiology expert reviewed these studies and opined that both showed a clear narrowing of the airway due to a visible mass.
The plaintiffs continued to voice complaints to the pediatrician of worsening breathing problems, wheezing, coughing and stridor at rest. In June 2018, plaintiff returned to the otolaryngologist with a video of his breathing difficulties even while sleeping. Defendant performed an exam revealing an obstruction. He was immediately sent to the hospital where a CT scan showed a severe narrowing of the trachea and a thyroid mass with spread to the lungs. Further testing confirmed metastatic medullary thyroid cancer. The minor plaintiff underwent extensive treatments with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and now immunotherapy for stage 4 disease.
Lawsuit resolved via mediation
Mediation was undertaken in the months prior to trial and the parties were able to resolve the matter globally for $1,600,000.00.
Attorneys for the plaintiff: Andrew C. Meyer, Jr. and Krysia J. Syska, Lubin & Meyer PC.
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