Couple seeks $10 million from USA for skin cancer metastasis

A $10 million lawsuit filed against the United States of America claims doctors at a Veterans Administration clinic failed to properly treat a Fayette County man's skin cancer.

William and Hazel Rose claim that William was seen on June 19, 2002, at a VA clinic in Effingham and on Aug. 2 and 28, 2002, at a Marion VA clinic.

The Roses, who filed their complaint in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois on March 3, claim the doctors and clinic failed to obtain a timely removal of a basal cell carcinoma from William.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, affecting 800,000 Americans each year.

Chronic exposure to sunlight is the cause of almost all basal cell carcinomas, which occur most frequently on exposed parts of the body -- the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders and back.

According to the complaint, William suffered metastasis of his cancer, horrible disfigurement and injuries to his body as a whole, suffered mental anguish and has become liable for medical expenses.

Hazel is seeking damages claiming William's injuries have led to a loss of consortium.

The Roses are represented by Joseph Bartholomew of Cook, Ysursa, Bartholomew, Brauer & Shevlin in Belleville.

The case has been assigned to Magistrate Judge Phillip Frazier and District Judge Michael Reagan.