This case takes place in Illinois and involves a younger female patient who developed cancer. She presented to the defending dermatologist for evaluation of a mole on her right shoulder blade. A few days after her initial examination, the patient underwent a biopsy of the mole, and her dermatologist attempted to remove it using cryotherapy. Roughly 6 months later, the patient noticed a lump she developed in the area near her armpit. The lump was biopsied and was found to be metastatic skin cancer. It was determined that the original mole she had on her right shoulder blade was cancer and had not been properly excised. The untreated cancer was then able to metastasize. Due to the delay in diagnosis and delayed treatment of the initial mole, the patient’s options for treatment were vastly reduced.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Do you frequently examine specimens as described in the case summary?
2. Have you ever had a patient develop the outcome described in the case? If so, please explain.
3. How do you ensure the proper analysis/excision of the specimen, as described in the case summary?
4. Are you able to review the records/slides to and opine, potentially testify, to your findings?
5. Have you ever served as an expert witness on a case similar to the one described above? If so, please explain.
Expert Witness Response E-005950
I am a board certified dermatopathologist who practices at a major University Hospital with a busy cutaneous cancer center. We specialize in melanoma, merkel cell, squamous cell, and advanced basal cell carcinomas of the skin and we see a high volume of these types of patients. Feb to May is a rather short time frame for spread and it indicates a rather aggressive tumor. I need to know more about the type of cancer and see the slides. Was obvious lymphovascular invasion not identified on the original biopsy? What was the path report on the original biopsy? The original pathologic evaluation of this tumor is key. I would be happy to review this case.
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Joseph O'Neill
Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.
