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ER Misses Liver Tumor: 3-Year-Old Sent Home
3 Jan
Summary
- A 3-year-old girl was diagnosed with a 20cm liver tumor after being sent home.
- Doctors repeatedly dismissed symptoms as constipation for months.
- A mother's persistent instincts led to a life-saving diagnosis.
A 3-year-old girl, Blakely, endured months of pain before a critical 20-centimeter liver tumor was finally diagnosed. Initially, emergency room visits attributed her severe discomfort to constipation, leading to her being sent home repeatedly. Her parents diligently followed medical advice for bowel management, yet Blakely's condition worsened, manifesting in a visibly swollen and veiny abdomen.
Blakely's mother's intuition eventually prompted a return to the ER, where she insisted on a full evaluation, citing the prolonged misdiagnosis and worsening symptoms. This time, bloodwork and an ultrasound led to the discovery of a mass, requiring a CT scan. The scan confirmed the presence of a massive tumor on Blakely's liver, a diagnosis that blindsided her family.
Transferred to the oncology floor, the gravity of the situation became clear: Blakely had cancer, and it had been missed for months. Her mother shared the story as a warning to other parents, emphasizing the importance of trusting their instincts and advocating fiercely for their children, even when dismissed by medical professionals. Blakely has since survived this ordeal.
