A  relative recently underwent a PET scan requested by a rheumatologist who was treating them for Poly Myalgia Rheumatica.When the results came back they showed a oesophageal mass and a endoscopy/biopsy was booked. The endoscopy revealed only a small hiatus hernia and several biopsies were taken. A week or so later whilst waiting for the biopsy results my relative attended an unrelated orthopaedic appointment. The orthopaedic consultant whilst looking at the medical history remarked on the PET scan/endoscopy and commented that it was good new there was no cancer and confirmed biopsy results were clear.

A week or so later my relative was contacted by the hospital and asked to come in as soon as possible to discuss the PET/endoscopy/biopsy results and to bring someone along.. At the appointment a consultant very carefully explained that there had been a mistake the original PET scan results belonged to another patient!!!.. hence the the lack of any visible mass during the (unnecessary) endoscopy. The consultant then had to break the news that the actual PET scan had been located and reveals what they believe to be Liver cancer with hot spots also showing in the Lungs..follow up ultrasound and biopsy are booked to confirm this.

The consultant said that this is the first time to his  knowledge  that this has happened at this hospital.

Please can anyone let know if they have had a similar experience. I would like really to understand what kind of follow up response the patient could expect following this mistake. I don't mean in terms of ongoing treatment but can the patient expect a written apology or acknowledgment of the error? 

Thanks for your help.