Breast cancer patients seek cash over botched ops

Buy photos » Suspended surgeon Ian Paterson is now the subject of a police investigation.

HUNDREDS of breast cancer patients are seeking compensation over claims they underwent unnecessary surgery.

Surgeon Ian Paterson (pictured), who worked at hospitals in the West Midlands, has been suspended by the General Medical Council (GMC) and West Midlands Police are investigating.

He carried out an unapproved procedure - a cleavage sparing mastectomy - on scores of patients, some of whom had been diagnosed with breast cancer while others had the procedure to prevent the disease developing.

But the cleavage sparing technique used by Mr Paterson leaves behind some breast tissue for cosmetic reasons and means there is a risk of the cancer returning, something his patients were not aware of.

Some patients have since learned that they never had breast cancer and did not need to have surgery, while others have been left fearful their cancer could come back.

Thompsons Solicitors is handling more than 250 claims from patients which includes several men.

The Medical Defence Union, which is defending Mr Paterson, said: “Mr Paterson is co-operating fully with the GMC investigation.

“He cannot comment further due to his duty of patient confidentiality and the ongoing investigation.”

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