Quick answers
This page explains how missed lung cancer diagnosis claims are usually assessed. It is general information only.
Where missed lung cancer claims can arise
Potential issues include repeated consultations without escalation, failure to arrange a chest X-ray or urgent referral, failure to act on abnormal imaging, missed radiology findings, or delayed CT, bronchoscopy or oncology review.
Symptoms and clinical context
A persistent or changing cough, coughing blood, breathlessness, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue or repeated chest infections may need careful assessment, especially where there are additional risk factors.
Imaging and follow-up
Chest X-ray and CT reporting can be important. A claim may involve an abnormal result not being chased, a report not being read, or a suspicious finding being missed or not escalated.
Causation and outcome
The legal question is whether earlier diagnosis would probably have led to earlier treatment and a materially better outcome. This may involve staging, operability, treatment options, symptoms, prognosis and life expectancy.
Evidence needed
Important evidence includes GP records, consultation history, referral letters, imaging requests and reports, original images, respiratory clinic records, MDT notes and treatment records.
Sources used
This page is informed by NICE suspected cancer recognition and referral guidance and NHS cancer information. See NICE: Suspected cancer: recognition and referral and NHS: Cancer.