A woman in Acre, Brazil, is set to receive R$ 40,000 in moral damages after undergoing a mastectomy due to an incorrect cancer diagnosis. The decision, announced by the Justice Court of Acre, stems from an erroneous diagnosis made in March 2012, when she was told she had a malignant phyllodes tumor by the Fundação Hospitalar Governador Flaviano Melo, leading to the complete removal of her right breast.

Two months post-surgery, the woman sought a second opinion, sending her samples to the Instituto Nacional de Câncer (Inca) for reevaluation. This subsequent analysis revealed that the tumor was actually benign, highlighting significant flaws in the initial medical assessments and decision-making process that impacted her health and well-being.

The judicial ruling emphasizes the responsibilities of healthcare providers in delivering accurate diagnoses and the repercussions of medical malpractice. The case not only underscores the personal trauma experienced by the patient but also raises critical questions about the standards of care and accountability within the Brazilian healthcare system, particularly in public institutions.