A Nightmare Diagnosis: Patient Undergoes Surgery for Non-Existent Tumor, Sparks Online Outcry

A harrowing account shared in an online discussion has gripped the attention of many, detailing a Singaporean patient's traumatic experience of undergoing an unnecessary operation due to a mistaken diagnosis and subsequent alleged gaslighting by hospital staff. The story serves as a stark warning about the importance of patient advocacy and the potential pitfalls within the healthcare system.

The original poster (OP) initiated the conversation by recounting how they sought hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for chronic fatigue. As part of routine screening, a pelvic ultrasound was performed, which shockingly revealed a "large tumor of 3cm." This discovery immediately halted the HRT journey and shifted focus to addressing the supposed growth.

Referred to the gynecology department, the OP was advised to undergo surgery to remove the polyp, despite the gynecologist being unable to detect it during a physical examination. The OP initially trusted the recommendation, accepting the explanation that the polyp's size necessitated a general anesthetic (GA) and a three-part operation involving a scope, surgical excision, and Dilation and Curettage (D&C). The days leading up to the surgery were filled with immense stress, fear of a cancer diagnosis, and a restrictive diet.

However, the story took a dramatic turn during the operation itself. A user commented:

It was discovered during the surgery that there was no giant polyp in my cervical area. The ultrasound had made a mistake.

Adding to the trauma, the OP was only informed of this critical error a staggering three weeks after the procedure during a follow-up consult. During this agonizing period, the OP continued to endure sleepless nights and a restrictive diet, believing they were awaiting crucial lab results for a potentially cancerous growth. The OP expressed profound distress, stating:

Honestly if they had apologized and informed me their mistake right after the op, it would have been end of story for me. I would have let the matter go cuz mistakes do happen and sometimes that's just no one's fault. But nope, they decided to toss human decency out of the window and send me home for another 3 dread-filled weeks.

The post detailed a deeply frustrating review consult where a different doctor casually revealed the absence of the 3cm polyp, then attempted to justify the D&C by claiming it was generally beneficial for preventing uterine cancer – a claim the OP questioned as not being a standard preventative procedure for asymptomatic individuals. When pressed, the doctor verbally confirmed the ultrasound error.

The situation escalated further with the arrival of a senior doctor who, instead of offering an explanation, allegedly attempted to gaslight the OP. This doctor claimed the giant polyp did exist but was "hidden" and therefore not visible during the scope. When the OP demanded photographic evidence, the doctor asserted there were "no photos of it as it's been scraped into mush during the D and C procedure." The OP eventually discovered, by reviewing the surgeon's notes, that it explicitly stated "no endocervical polyp found." The senior doctor then attempted to justify the surgery by referencing microscopic polyps found in the D&C scrapings, which the OP clarified are common, often benign, and do not typically warrant surgical intervention.

The experience left the OP feeling "battered, physically from the operation and mentally from all the gaslighting," leading to severe anxiety and insomnia. The original poster ended their account with a powerful message to others:

Please always take charge of your own health as much as u can. Dont be an idiot like me. Always seek a 2nd opinion, do a second test. Don't save your money. It wont' be worth it with the state that the healthcare system is in.

The online community reacted with an outpouring of support and shared outrage. Many urged the OP to pursue legal action and lodge a formal complaint with the Singapore Medical Council (SMC). A user commented:

Raise it up to the medical council. Also, posting it on various social media helps too.

Several individuals shared similar experiences of misdiagnosis or perceived medical negligence, underscoring a common sentiment that patients often face an uphill battle against medical establishments. One commenter noted the challenge:

Medical negligence and gaslighting do happen. I seriously considered taking legal action once we regained clarity, but my lawyer said it would be difficult. We would need another doctor to investigate and testify against the hospital, which is rare.

The discussion also highlighted a cultural aspect, with one user observing:

i think generally singaporeans don't really ask doctor much question although it is right to do so. we have this 'respect the doctor, doctor knows best' mentality and doesn't help matters when most doctors appear to be kinda impatient and unwilling to spend time sharing too much info in detail.

While some commenters questioned why the OP didn't ask more questions initially, the OP clarified their discomfort with holding up queues and their prior trust in medical professionals.

This deeply personal account has resonated widely, bringing to light critical issues of medical accuracy, communication, patient rights, and the emotional toll of medical errors. The online conversation serves as a powerful call for greater transparency and accountability within healthcare, urging individuals to be proactive advocates for their own well-being and to seek second opinions when faced with significant medical decisions. The OP is now seeking therapy and has formally written to the hospital, hoping their story can contribute to a much-needed reform in medical practices.