Five women accuse gynaecologist of medical malpractice

Five women have made serious malpractice allegations against the same gynaecologist in Cyprus, raising concerns about delayed diagnoses, the necessity of surgical procedures and the information provided to patients.

According to a report by the newspaper Politis, one woman died from cervical cancer after her family alleged that her diagnosis had been delayed. A second woman, aged 26, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and underwent a second operation during which one of her ovaries was removed.

Three other women have questioned the medical decisions behind operations they underwent, claiming they were not adequately informed about their necessity, risks and consequences.

The five cases have involved the Cyprus Medical Association (CMA), the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO), police and hospitals. The allegations concern diagnosis and treatment, patient communication, post-operative care and entries in medical records.

Two cases have proceeded to court, with the gynaecologist expected to appear before a court in the coming months. The allegations remain subject to the relevant legal and professional procedures.

Woman dies after stage three cervical cancer diagnosis

The first case concerns a 37-year-old mother who died on 8 January 2025 after developing advanced cervical cancer.

According to her family, she had been under the gynaecologist’s care for approximately 14 months, from January 2023 to March 2024. They claim her persistent symptoms were initially attributed to an infection and later to cervicitis, while she received reassuring information about her test results, including her Pap smear.

In May 2024, the woman consulted another gynaecologist, who identified a serious lesion on her cervix. A biopsy revealed stage three invasive squamous cell carcinoma.

She subsequently underwent chemotherapy in Cyprus and abroad. However, the disease progressed and spread to her bones.

Before her death, the woman had consulted a lawyer over concerns about a possible delay in diagnosis and alleged medical negligence. Her family says she wanted to pursue a formal complaint but died before she could do so herself.

Following her death, the family filed complaints with the Cyprus Medical Association and police. They said they had obtained her medical records and related correspondence.

Further legal proceedings are expected in the case.

26-year-old diagnosed with ovarian cancer after surgery

The second case concerns a 26-year-old woman who continues to receive cancer treatment.

She first visited the gynaecologist in March 2026 because of pain. An ultrasound revealed a cyst, and she was prescribed hormonal medication.

During a follow-up appointment in June, the doctor allegedly told her that a tumour had been found and needed to be removed immediately. She underwent a laparotomy two days later.

The woman claims that part of the outer wall of her uterus was also removed during the procedure, causing damage that another gynaecologist subsequently identified.

Her pain continued after the operation. She alleges that the first doctor did not respond to repeated telephone calls.

Less than 20 days after the surgery, another gynaecologist diagnosed cancer in one of her ovaries.

When her family sought an explanation, the first doctor reportedly said he had not identified cancer and suggested the disease might have developed later.

The woman subsequently underwent a second operation, during which one ovary was removed. She says she was also informed that she could face serious difficulties with a future pregnancy.

She has lodged complaints with the Cyprus Medical Association and the hospital. She has not ruled out legal action after completing chemotherapy.

Woman questions surgery for fibroid

A third woman disputes the necessity of an operation to treat a uterine fibroid, claiming she was not adequately informed about the procedure and its consequences.

She had experienced heavy bleeding and frequent urination. Medication initially relieved her symptoms, but when it stopped working, she returned to the gynaecologist.

According to her complaint, the doctor told her the fibroid measured between five and six centimetres and began arranging surgery by telephone before fully explaining her options.

She says that when she expressed reservations, she was presented with a choice between undergoing surgery immediately or waiting six months while continuing to experience symptoms.

The woman claims she was not adequately informed that the procedure would involve a laparotomy. Instead of the straightforward recovery she had expected, she woke up with a surgical incision measuring approximately 13 centimetres and was told to restrict her activities for 40 days.

She alleges that the doctor insisted the approach was necessary to obtain a better view of the affected area.

Her concerns increased when she later reviewed the ultrasound report, which she says recorded a fibroid measuring two to three centimetres rather than the five to six centimetres she had been told. Another doctor she consulted subsequently reportedly said the condition could have been managed without surgery.

The woman has also questioned the medical report used to secure coverage for the procedure through the General Healthcare System (GESY).

She says the experience had a serious impact on her mental health, with symptoms of post-traumatic stress continuing to make medical appointments, particularly gynaecological examinations, difficult.

Patient says she was told she had a ‘monster’

Another woman alleges that she underwent surgery after visiting the gynaecologist for a routine Pap smear in March 2023.

She claims the doctor told her she had a “monster” that was eating away at her left ovary and needed to be removed immediately.

Frightened by the information, she agreed to the operation without seeking a second opinion.

However, the subsequent histopathological examination identified a three-centimetre endometriotic cyst with no cellular atypia. The woman says the doctor did not adequately explain the difference between the initial assessment and the findings.

She also questioned the discharge report, which allegedly stated that she had presented with severe pain, although she says her appointment had been for preventive screening.

Around two weeks after the operation, she was still experiencing severe pain and bloating. When she returned to the hospital, the doctor allegedly refused to examine her.

She then consulted another doctor, who attributed her discomfort to gas remaining after the laparoscopy.

During that visit, she was reportedly told that the growth was endometriosis and that, in the second gynaecologist’s assessment, surgery had not been necessary. A third doctor subsequently confirmed the diagnosis, according to her account.

The woman says she has experienced menstrual problems since the operation that she did not have beforehand.

She filed a complaint with the Cyprus Medical Association but says she received no response. She also contacted the hospital and the Health Insurance Organisation, which informed her that investigating possible medical negligence fell outside its remit.

Civil lawsuit over disputed ovarian surgery

The fifth case concerns a woman who underwent a laparoscopy after a routine gynaecological examination, despite saying she had no pain or other symptoms.

According to her complaint, the gynaecologist identified a large ovarian cyst and advised that it be removed immediately because of the risk of rupture or torsion.

The woman says she asked for time to consider the decision but was told that surgery was the only option. She underwent the procedure two days later.

Her recovery was difficult, and her doubts grew after she received the histopathology report.

She alleges that the findings differed from what she had been told about the cyst. The report also referred to torsion, which she says had not previously been presented to her as an established finding.

The woman subsequently consulted two other gynaecologists, who reportedly considered monitoring the condition an alternative to immediate surgery.

She says the experience seriously affected her mental health. She was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress and sought support from a clinical psychologist.

In January 2024, she lodged a formal complaint with the Health Insurance Organisation, challenging the necessity of the operation and the information she had received. The organisation responded that investigating possible medical negligence was outside its remit.

Two further complaints followed in July 2024 concerning GESY entries and claims for reimbursement for post-operative consultations.

In May 2025, the organisation informed her that the complaints were under investigation, but no final finding was communicated.

A civil lawsuit concerning the case is pending before the Nicosia District Court.

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