Dermatologist Fails To Conduct Biopsy For Patient With Melanoma Symptoms

Case Overview

This case involves a 52-year-old female patient who regularly saw a dermatologist. The defendant dermatologist noted an abnormal finding on the patient’s cheek. Although the dermatologist noted the finding in the patient’s records, he failed to ever biopsy it. The patient visited a cancer center two and a half years after the original detection of the abnormal finding. The area was biopsied and the patient was diagnosed with advanced stage melanoma. A dermatologist with expertise in skin cancer was sought to opine on what effect a delay in the diagnosis of this length might have on a patient’s melanoma prognosis.

Questions to the Oncology expert and their responses

Do you routinely treat patients with melanomas?

I am an expert in skin cancer. I previously oversaw the division of dermatologic surgery at an Ivy League university medical center. My practice is exclusive to skin cancer and surgery only. I see many melanoma patients and have lectured on this topic.

Are you able to opine on the standard of care regarding when to biopsy an abnormal finding?

If a lesion is noted to be abnormal and noted in the medical record, it should be biopsied or followed up in a few months. If not biopsied, there should be a clear reason why. I would be able to provide an opinion as to whether or not the delay in diagnosis affected the patient's prognosis.

About the expert

This expert has 10 years of experience in the field of dermatologic oncology. He earned his BS in physiology and neuroscience from the University of California, San Diego, and his MD from the University of California, Los Angeles. He completed a residency in dermatology and a fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology at Columbia University. Today, this expert is board certified in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery. He stays active in his field as a member of various professional societies and is a named fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. He has published 18 peer-reviewed papers and serves as a reviewer for six renowned medical journals. Previously, he served as director of dermatologic surgery at Good Dermatology and as the medical director of dermatology and cutaneous oncology at Science 37, Inc. Currently, he serves as the director of cutaneous oncology, dermatologic surgery, dermatology, and the high-risk skin cancer clinic at a medical school in Washington, DC, where he also serves as an associate professor of dermatology and oncology.

E-028773

Specialties:

Oncology

Dr. Wendy Ketner is a distinguished medical professional with a comprehensive background in surgery and medical research. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Expert Institute, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organization's most important client relationships. Dr. Ketner's extensive surgical training was completed at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, where she gained hands-on experience in various general surgery procedures, including hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, appendectomies, mastectomies for breast cancer, breast reconstruction, surgical oncology, vascular surgery, and colorectal surgery. She also provided care in the surgical intensive care unit.

Her research interests have focused on post-mastectomy reconstruction and the surgical treatment of gastric cancer, including co-authoring a textbook chapter on the subject. Additionally, she has contributed to research on the percutaneous delivery of stem cells following myocardial infarction.

Dr. Ketner's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from Yale University in Latin American Studies and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. Moreover, she is a member of the Board of Advisors for Opollo Technologies, a fintech healthcare AI company, contributing her medical expertise to enhance healthcare technology solutions. Her role at Expert Institute involves leveraging her medical knowledge to provide insights into legal cases, underscoring her unique blend of medical and legal acumen.