Italian Woman Awarded €500,000 After Misdiagnosis Led to Four Years of Unnecessary Chemotherapy
In a troubling case, an Italian woman in her sixties has been awarded 500,000euros after enduring four years of intensive chemotherapy for a cancer she did not have, stemming from a misdiagnosis.
The situation began in 2006 when Daniella Montesi, then 42, was diagnosed with advanced MALT lymphoma at the University Hospital of Pisa.
From January 2007 to May 2011, she underwent high doses of chemotherapy and corticosteroids, which resulted in a severely compromised immune system, hormonal imbalances, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
The shocking revelation came in May 2011 when a bone biopsy confirmed that she had never had cancer.
Following this discovery, Daniella initiated legal action against the hospital for medical negligence.
In a landmark ruling, the Italian Court of Appeals granted her 500,000 euros for the physical and psychological suffering endured over the four-year period.
In an interview with Il Tirreno, Daniella Montesi stated:
"The treatment destroyed my immune system, and my health is now extremely poor. I feel broken and find no peace, even after this ruling."
This incident raises critical concerns regarding medical negligence and diagnostic errors, highlighting the significant risks associated with aggressive treatments administered without definitive confirmation of a diagnosis.
