Dentist sued over cancer

AN NHS dentist who advised a patient to treat what turned out to be a life-threatening oral cancer with mouthwash is being sued for tens of thousands of pounds in damages.

Paula Drabble, 58, went to Pinfold Dental Practice, in Hattersley,Cheshire, in June 2008 with concerns about a white lesion on her gum.

She was told by her dentist, Ian Hughes, it was nothing serious, a court heard.

Mrs Drabble of Mottram Moor, Mottram, Hyde, had five further appointments with Mr Hughes and was advised to “manage” her complaint with mouthwash.

She was eventually referred to hospital in April 2009, and “seriously invasive cancer” was diagnosed.

She had surgery, including removal of affected bone, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Mrs Drabble has now made a good recovery and has begun a High Court fight for damages, claiming Mr Hughes was negligent to have not spotted the cancer.