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Hopes inquest will highlight danger of working with wood
A CARPENTER who was given a false negative cancer result at Eastbourne DGH died of industrial disease, an inquest has heard.
Roy Taylor, of Bourne Street, died at his home on Christmas Day 2009 from a tumor in his nose.
An inquest into the death of the 67-year-old was held at Eastbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon (November 18). Coroner Alan Craze was told that Mr Taylor had been transferred to the hospital by his doctor after complaining of sinus problems. After various examinations and tests by the ear, nose and throat team at Eastbourne DGH, samples from the tumour in Mr Taylor’s nose were sent off for analysis.
The tests came back as benign but two-and-a-half months later Mr Taylor was diagnosed with cancer.
Dubba Reddy, associate specialist of otolaryngology, said he took samples from the abnormal area and was relieved when it came back as benign.
He added, “I have done hundreds and not had this before. It is very, very rare.”
The benign result was reported to Mr Taylor on August 10 but it wasn’t until October 27 that he found out, after suffering from headaches and double vision, that the tumour was malignant.
Nick Violaris, an ear, nose and throat consultant, said, “No-one knows and an early diagnosis is always best, but looking at the rapid growth in Mr Taylor’s case I don’t think it would have made much difference.”
Wife Anne Taylor said her husband had worked as a carpenter for much of his working life. She said he had worked with hardwoods such as oak and mahogany. The pathologist said there was a well-documented link between carpentry and the type of cancer Mr Taylor had suffered.
Coroner Alan Craze asked the hospital to find and keep the samples which led to the false negative biopsy and suggested Mrs Taylor may wish to make a claim against Mr Taylor’s previous employers.
Mr Craze recorded a verdict of industrial disease and told the family the delayed diagnosis and any civil action that might be taken was out of his remit.
Speaking after the inquest, Mrs Taylor said she hoped the case would highlight the dangers of working with wood.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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