Godfrey woman claims doctor failed to monitor pre-cancerous condition

A Godfrey woman blames her doctor for failing to closely monitor a pre-cancerous condition and allowing a cancer to grow undetected.

Judith Bohringer filed a lawsuit Aug. 31 in Madison County Circuit Court against Dr. David Riedel and Fairview Heights Medical Group.

Bohringer alleges Riedel diagnosed her with Barrett's Esophagus in 1998. The condition, which results from gastroesophageal reflux disease, can result in cancer. Therefore, biopsies should be conducted periodically to check for the presence of cancer, according to the complaint.

Throughout the past 10 years, Bohringer has seen Riedel about five times, most recently on Oct. 29, 2009, the suit states.

However, he failed to detect the esophageal cancer until it reached Stage 2 progression of five possible stages, the complaint says.

Because of the cancer, Bohringer claims she had to undergo chemotherapy, radiation and surgery during which she lost much of her esophagus and stomach. In addition, she lost her normal life, reduced her probability of survival and incurred medical costs, according to the complaint.

Bohringer blames Riedel for allowing the cancer to progress, saying the doctor failed to inform her that she suffered from Barrett's Esophagus, failed to explain to her that the condition is a risk factor for cancer and failed to biopsy the esophagus.

In her two-count complaint, Bohringer seeks a judgment of more than $100,000, plus other relief the court deems just.

Mark Levy of Levy and Suarez in Collinsville will be representing her.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-865.