Italian Woman Awarded €500,000 After Misdiagnosis Leads to Unnecessary Chemotherapy
In a shocking case, a woman in her sixties from Italy has been awarded 500000euros after undergoing four years of intensive chemotherapy for a cancer she did not have, stemming from a medical misdiagnosis.
The incident dates back to 2006, when Daniella Montesi, then 42, underwent tests at the University Hospital of Pisa and was diagnosed with advanced-stage MALT lymphoma.
From January 2007 to May 2011, she received high doses of chemotherapy and corticosteroids, leading to a weakened immune system, hormonal imbalances, and episodes of depression and anxiety.
The unexpected revelation came in May 2011, when a bone biopsy confirmed that she had never had cancer. Following this, she filed a lawsuit against the hospital for medical negligence.
In a landmark ruling, an Italian appeals court awarded her 500 000 euros for the severe physical and psychological suffering she endured over the four years.
In a statement to Il Tirreno, Daniella Montesi said:
"The treatment destroyed my immune system; my health is now severely compromised, I feel broken and find no solace even after this decision."
This incident highlights critical issues surrounding medical negligence and diagnostic errors, emphasizing the significant risks associated with intensive treatments applied without definitive confirmation of a diagnosis.
