Enable Law are supporting clients’ who have sadly experienced their cervical smears being misreported.
These mistakes have come to light as a result of the mandatory NHS Cervical Screening Programme (CSP) Invasive Cancer Audit. All parties who participate in the NHS CSP must following the national protocol for auditing cases.
In one case, the cervical smear was initially reported as negative. However on review, it actually showed severe dyskaryosis. As a result of this error in reporting, our client was not seen for a colposcopy, nor offered treatment which is likely to have prevented her cervical cancer.
What is dyskaryosis?
Dyskaryosis change of appearance in cells that cover the surface of the cervix.
There is a grading system to classify the cell changes identified during a cervical smear test. Changes mean pre-cancerous cells may be present. The grades are:
- CIN 1 – mild changes
- CIN 2 – moderate changes
- CIN 3 – severe changes
What is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a procedure to closely examine any changes in the cervix. A type of microscope is used, called a colposcope.
The doctor might take samples of cells and use a liquid to help them identify any abnormal areas on the cervix.
Whether treatment is needed at all, and what type of treatment that will be will depend on the severity of the abnormalities. Usually though, treatment is not invasive and successfully treats the abnormal cells. This means that the patient will not go on to develop cervical cancer. Unfortunately, if the abnormalities are missed, the patient can go on to develop cervical cancer.
We are here to help
Unfortunately, misreporting of cervical smears is something we see all too frequently. Enable Law have successfully pursued a number of claims for women whose smears were wrongly reported as normal.
Enable Law specialises in medical negligence, and we are here to advise and help you if you have concerns about the treatment of your cancer care. Should you have any concerns regarding your medical care and for a free and confidential discussion, contact us on 0800 044 8488 or fill in our contact form here and we will call you back
