Understanding HER2+ Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis: a Q+A with Attorney Lisa Weinstein

Breast cancer treatment is a deeply personal and life-altering journey, but what happens if the diagnosis itself is wrong? How can you be confident that your diagnosis is accurate? Lisa Weinstein goes over everything you need to know.

In North Carolina, multiple patients who received care at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have experienced the devastating effects of a medical misdiagnosis. The news came to light in 2018 when there were reports of misdiagnoses resulting from “faulty pathology”. Many of these misdiagnosis patients were women, some in their 20s, who were incorrectly diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer. Being diagnosed with breast cancer is a life-changing experience, but a misdiagnosis can be even more traumatic—especially when patients become aware of the error after undergoing invasive treatments and therapies.

So, how did these patients find out? When did they find out? Is this only happening at Atrium Health? How did they know they were misdiagnosed? Lisa Weinstein, a medical malpractice attorney at Grant & Eisenhofer, provides answers to some important questions in this Q and A.

Q: How Did Patients Find Out They Were Misdiagnosed?

A: Our clients have been contacted and informed, via phone call or email, by the Risk Management Team or by the Health Information Management Officer at Atrium Health and told they have been misdiagnosed with HER2 breast cancer, misdiagnosed with HER2 endometrial cancer, or misdiagnosed with HER2 breast cancer in another form. Some patients went years before being told by Atrium Health they were misdiagnosed with HER2 breast cancer.

Q: Are These Misdiagnoses Occurring Anywhere Else?

A: While Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center is the primary hospital where G&E’s clients have received care, we are also investigating similar instances of misdiagnosis occurring at Novant Health, another medical facility located in North Carolina. However, if you have been misdiagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer at any facility, we encourage you to reach out.

Q: If I was Told I was Misdiagnosed, How Do I Know If I Have a Claim?

A: If you or someone you know has been informed by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, or another hospital, that you were misdiagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer, contact our attorneys today. Our qualified attorneys can discuss your unique situation with you and explore any potential legal options.

Q: Where Are HER2+ Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis Complaints Being Filed?

A: So far, all of G&E’s clients have been misdiagnosed at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The complaints are being filed with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Q: What Should I Do if I Am Undergoing Treatment and I Am Concerned About the Accuracy of My Diagnosis?

A: If you’re undergoing treatment and are worried about the accuracy of your HER2 diagnosis, to talk to your oncologist about it. Let them know that you’ve heard about these misdiagnosis cases and express your concerns. If you’ve been misdiagnosed at a different hospital, you still have options. It’s crucial to speak with a lawyer who can guide you through your legal rights.

Grant & Eisenhofer’s women’s health attorneys are here for you and can help you understand your legal options. Call today.