Inquiry launched into late cancer diagnoses

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An inquiry has been launched in Northern Ireland following revelations surrounding late diagnoses of cancer in a number of dental patients.

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, has ordered an urgent independent inquiry after concerns were raised over a number of diagnoses. More than a hundred dental patients have been ordered to go back to specialists for a review of their diagnosis and treatment. The review raised concerns about late diagnoses, which affected cancer patients.

In 2009 the Belfast Health Trust learnt that six patients who were diagnosed with oral cancer could have been diagnosed and subsequently treated earlier. Dental patients were recalled after the work of a senior consultant came under fire in a clinical review.

The Belfast Health Trust has started investigations and so far 22 cases have been identified – 15 of the patients had oral cancer and four patients have died. A further 117 patients have been contacted by the trust and further tests and investigations are set to take place in the near future.

Dr Tony Stevens, medical director at the trust, said that all patients who have possibly been affected by the incident have been contacted.

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