University Hospital Galway has issued a formal apology to 28-year-old Michelle Craughwell after a radiological scan of her pelvis and abdomen in July 2023 failed to properly identify an early-stage adrenal cortical carcinoma, delaying her cancer diagnosis by two years until it had advanced to Stage 4.
The settlement was reached in the High Court following a legal action taken against the Health Service Executive (HSE). Ms Craughwell, a resident of Tuam in Co Galway, contended that a significant and visible right adrenal mass was present during her initial imaging. Her legal representation argued that a prompt and accurate reading in 2023 would have allowed her to undergo surgery while the malignancy remained confined to the adrenal gland at Stage 1.
Missed Radiological Reports Prevent Early Cancer Diagnosis
Adrenal cortical carcinoma is a malignancy originating in the adrenal glands. In early stages, surgical intervention offers a pathway for curative intent. The mechanism of failure in this case centered on radiological interpretation.
When diagnostic imaging is performed, the radiologist evaluates for structural anomalies and mass effects. A missed diagnosis occurs when an abnormality—such as an adrenal mass—fails to be documented in the official clinical report, preventing the attending physician or specialist from pursuing downstream biopsies or staging diagnostics.
By the time Ms Craughwell received her definitive diagnosis in 2025, the disease had progressed to Stage 4 with metastasis. Metastatic spread fundamentally alters the therapeutic paradigm, shifting objectives from localized surgical removal to systemic therapies, targeted regimens, or palliative management.
University Hospital Galway Apologises for Radiology Care Deficiencies
- Radiology Verification: Diagnostic scans require thorough review to ensure structural masses are not omitted from official hospital reports.
- Early Staging Significance: Detecting adrenal malignancies at Stage 1 allows for surgical intervention before cancerous cells disseminate to distant anatomical sites.
In a formal statement read to the High Court, University Hospital Galway General Manager Chris Kane stated: “On behalf of University Hospital Galway, we would like to sincerely and unreservedly apologise for the deficiencies in radiology care in 2023 which led to the delay in diagnosis of your adrenal cortical carcinoma.” He added an acknowledgment of the profound distress inflicted upon the patient.
Speaking outside the court, Ms Craughwell reflected on the prolonged uncertainty she experienced while repeatedly returning to the hospital system. She expressed gratitude for the legal and personal support network surrounding her while emphasizing that her primary grief stems from the missed opportunity for early intervention.
Contraindications & When to Consult a Doctor
Mr Justice Coffey formally noted the settlement during the High Court proceedings, offering his sympathies for the physical and emotional toll endured by Ms Craughwell and extending his wishes for her future care.
