November 4, 2002 - Papillion woman's suit says doctor missed 42-pound cyst

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A Papillion woman claims that her doctor failed to notice a large ovarian cyst over the course of several years, according to a medical malpractice lawsuit she filed last week. By the time it was removed by other doctors, it weighed 42 pounds, according to the suit filed in Douglas County District Court.

Holli A. Mulvihill was in the care of family physician Dr. Pierre Lavedan when she developed symptoms that included nausea, abdominal pain and increasing weight gain, according to the suit. Lavedan diagnosed her with sinusitis, morbid obesity and various other infections routinely, including her last visit to him Oct. 31, 2000, according to the suit. Mulvihill sought an evaluation by other physicians Nov. 2, 2000, and they discovered the 42-pound cyst. It was removed two weeks later.

Mulvihill declined to comment on the suit. Lavedan referred questions to his attorney, who declined to comment. Mulvihill is seeking various damages, including severe mental anguish, physical pain and suffering and permanent damage to her reproductive system.