Dennis 'Jacko' Charles Jackson, a 67-year-old man from Broken Hill, died from hospital-acquired pneumonia months after undergoing an unnecessary lung lobectomy in 2018. He was misdiagnosed with lung cancer due to contamination of his biopsy sample.
The biopsy was contaminated with another patient’s squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a common type of skin cancer that can also affect the mouth, genitals, and other areas. This led to the incorrect diagnosis and subsequent lung surgery.
“That is undoubtedly a speculative comment by me, but one that has continually crossed my mind,” said Deputy State Coroner Ian White.
“The expertly performed operation would never have happened but for the incorrect diagnosis of SCC. Mr Jackson suffered unwanted but well-known complications that follow a well-performed operation.”
Born and raised in Broken Hill, Jackson worked in various roles including mining, at a power station, carpet laying, and managing a motel. Prior to his diagnosis, he consulted his GP due to tiredness, weight loss, cough, and increased shortness of breath upon exertion.
Dennis Jackson pictured with his wife Ramonda during happier times.
This tragic case highlights how medical errors and sample contamination led to a fatal misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery, ultimately costing Dennis Jackson his life.