Doctor sued for allegedly missing cancer diagnosis

GRETNA – A doctor who allegedly misdiagnosed a neck cancer in one of his patients for more than a year is being sued.

Edward C. Gandolfini filed suit against Robert G. Brousse M.D. in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 6.

Gandolfini asserts that Brousse examined him on Oct. 26, 2010 and found an enlarged lymph node in his neck that was diagnosed as an infection and he was prescribed antibiotic medication. The plaintiff alleges that despite the defendant diagnosing an infection an assessment of MRI that was done found that a tumor could not be ruled out. Gandolfini claims that eight months later he again saw Brousse who found the lymph node had grown and ordered another round of antibiotics as well as removal of the tissue.

The plaintiff asserts that the tissue that was later removed via surgery was found to be cancerous. Gandolfini claim he then had to undergo radiation therapy as well as other extensive therapies that may not have been required had the cancer diagnosis been made earlier.

The defendant is accused of medical malpractice.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for medical expense, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, economic loss, diminution of earning capacity, disability, fear of death, scarring, disfigurement and loss of enjoyment of life.

Gandolfini is represented by Thomas B. Calvert of Metairie-based Thomas B. Calvert, A Professional Law Corporation.

The case has been assigned to Division I Judge Nancy A. Miller.

Case no. 735-279.