• British woman left with permanent effects after part of lung removed
• Misdiagnosis of lung cancer led to surgery

A woman says she has been left with permanent respiratory problems after having part of her lung removed due to a misdiagnosis of cancer.

Erica Hay underwent surgery in 2020 to remove the lower lobe of her right lung after being told she might have lung cancer.

She later discovered that the mass in her lung was caused by pneumonia, not cancer.

The hospital trust apologized to Hay for the psychological impact and distress caused to her and her family.

Hay first sought medical attention in July 2020 after experiencing pain in her shoulder and chest. She was later told that doctors were 99.9% certain she had cancer, but a biopsy was not carried out due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Hay said, "I had never smoked, but the doctors said I could still get cancer as a non-smoker. I had to go home and tell my children and parents that I had cancer. I tried to be strong for them, but I just fell apart."

In September 2020, eight weeks after the initial diagnosis, Hay underwent open surgery to remove half of the affected lung and the surrounding lymph nodes.

She added, "I was terrified, going into the hospital alone and convinced I would die on the operating table. I messaged my friend in the morning to tell her the funeral songs I wanted."

Two weeks after the surgery, she was informed that the mass was not cancer and was most likely caused by an infection.

Since then, she said she has been unable to walk long distances or exercise.

She added, "I have had asthma since I was 17, but my breathing problems have increased dramatically after the surgery. Just talking or walking to the kitchen can trigger my symptoms."

Hay expressed gratitude that it was not cancer, but said the experience has left her with permanent effects on her daily life and work, sometimes making her feel inadequate as a mother and wife.

After the misdiagnosis came to light, Hay filed a clinical negligence claim with a Sheffield-based law firm.

A spokesperson for the firm said the hospitals did not admit liability, but the case was resolved through a settlement.

Dr. Nick Mallaband, acting executive medical director at the hospital, said, "We are sorry for the suffering experienced by Mrs. Hay and recognize the impact it has had on her and her family. This case occurred during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, but that does not reduce the importance of learning from what happened. Since then, we have strengthened clinical procedures and communication with patients to ensure their concerns are heard and addressed appropriately."

He added, "These improvements are part of our ongoing work to help ensure something like this does not happen again."