Delayed Biopsy Assessment Allegedly To Blame For Patient's Metastasized Cancer

This case involves a 46-year-old female patient who was seeing a dermatologist for various skin lesions and actinic keratosis management. The patient was advised to use Carac cream as a form of treatment. No biopsies were performed at the time. The lesions were biopsied over two years later, at which point they came back positive for atypical fibroxanthoma as well as superficial squamous cell carcinoma. The patient underwent a Mohs procedure shortly thereafter. One of the lesions was not assessed until several months later despite the fact that the patient had informed the physician of an unusual growth on the neck. Biopsy results showed well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The physician ordered a PET scan later that month and it revealed squamous cell carcinoma along with lymph node involvement. The cancer subsequently metastasized to the patient’s lungs and she eventually passed away from this cancer.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please describe your background in dermatology as it relates to this case.

Expert Witness Response E-042624

inline image I am a board-certified MD and Ph.D. dermatologist. I routinely perform skin cancer checks and screenings. I currently serve as an assistant professor of dermatology as well as an assistant attending dermatologist at two Ivy League university hospitals. I have encountered patients with actinic keratosis throughout my years of practice. I routinely lecture to physicians, residents, and medical students on this subject.

Dr. Wendy Ketner is a distinguished medical professional with a comprehensive background in surgery and medical research. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Expert Institute, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organization's most important client relationships. Dr. Ketner's extensive surgical training was completed at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, where she gained hands-on experience in various general surgery procedures, including hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, appendectomies, mastectomies for breast cancer, breast reconstruction, surgical oncology, vascular surgery, and colorectal surgery. She also provided care in the surgical intensive care unit.

Her research interests have focused on post-mastectomy reconstruction and the surgical treatment of gastric cancer, including co-authoring a textbook chapter on the subject. Additionally, she has contributed to research on the percutaneous delivery of stem cells following myocardial infarction.

Dr. Ketner's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from Yale University in Latin American Studies and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. Moreover, she is a member of the Board of Advisors for Opollo Technologies, a fintech healthcare AI company, contributing her medical expertise to enhance healthcare technology solutions. Her role at Expert Institute involves leveraging her medical knowledge to provide insights into legal cases, underscoring her unique blend of medical and legal acumen.

Delayed Biopsy Assessment Allegedly To Blame For Patient’s Metastasized Cancer

Question(s) For Expert Witness

Expert Witness Response E-042624

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