Allegedly improper treatment of patient’s thyroid cancer spawns medical malpractice lawsuit

NEW ORLEANS – A medical malpractice lawsuit has been filed against a local hospital and cancer specialists for allegedly not providing proper treatment of a patient’s thyroid cancer.

Evelyn Ames Matthews has requested a review of a malpractice claim is the Orleans Parish Civil District Court against University Healthcare System LLC and Tulane University Hospital & Clinic.

Matthews alleges that in February 2012 she went to a follow-up appointment with Dr. Kandil, a surgeon with a specialty in robotics. She allegedly underwent an ultrasound and he gave her a clean bill of health and referred her to Amna Kahn. On Aug. 13, 2012 Matthews claims she underwent a PET scan which showed a growth in the right thyroid. The February 2012 ultrasound was allegedly not noted in records, according to Kandil’s nurse. In September 2012, Kandil called Matthews and reiterated that he did not remove the right thyroid because nothing was wrong with it at that time.

Kandil is accused of failing to properly treat his patient.

Unspecified damages are requested in the amount of pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical bills and disfigurement.

Matthews is represented by attorney Ellen Cronin Badeaux of Covington.

The defendant is represented by attorney Nairda T. Colón of New Orleans.

Case is assigned to Division G Judge Robin M. Giarrusso.

Case no. 2013-11568.