Another woman files lawsuit alleging discredited imaging center, radiologist misread her mammograms
Another woman has come forth alleging radiologist Michael Bigg and the Allison Breast Cancer Center misread her mammograms. She recently filed a lawsuit against the pair, claiming the mistake delayed her diagnosis and treatment, according to a story published Monday.
Ruby Shakelford is the fourth woman to file such a suit, according to Richmond 6 News. The complaint notes that Shakelford underwent a left mastectomy in July 2008 for pre-invasive breast cancer. But after going to Bigg for yearly follow-up mammograms, in December 2017 she became worried about a lump in her breast.
Bigg—the doctor and owner of Allison, whose medical license is currently suspended—assured her the lump was likely benign. After additional visits, he ultimately referred Shakelford to a surgeon in June 2019. That provider diagnosed her with stage 2 breast cancer. Shakelford’s lawsuit claims that her disease was only stage 1 in March 2017.
The Virginia Board of Medicine suspended Michael Bigg’s medical license in May, putting out a lengthy report that determined he wrongly interpreted 18 mammograms.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently pulled Allison Breast Cancer Center’s mammography certification after a review revealed quality issues in its exams. Bigg’s wife, Gillian Bigg, penned a lengthy note on Sept. 28 regarding the Virginia breast center’s closure.
Read more from Richmond 6 News below.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.