A Georgia woman has filed a lawsuit against Kaiser Permanente alleging that a labelling error led to her wrongful diagnosis of aggressive uterine cancer and an unneeded hysterectomy in May 2025.
Cassandra Barksdale, 43, underwent the full hysterectomy at Kaiser Permanente Southwood Medical Centre in Jonesboro, Georgia, after a tissue sample was mistakenly labelled as hers. The lawsuit, filed on August 5, 2025, claims the error caused months of physical and emotional distress, including a period where Barksdale believed she had terminal cancer.
In September 2025, a DNA analysis confirmed the tissue sample belonged to another patient, prompting Kaiser Permanente to acknowledge the error. The healthcare provider stated in a written response that Barksdale "should not have experienced this" and that immediate steps were taken to prevent similar incidents.
Timeline of Events
Barksdale sought treatment at Kaiser Permanente in early 2025 for heavy bleeding and fibroids, noncancerous growths. A biopsy was performed on March 10, 2025, with results delivered on March 17, 2025. The lawsuit alleges that the incorrect diagnosis of endometrial uterine cancer—described as aggressive—led to the hysterectomy on May 15, 2025, and subsequent discussions about chemotherapy.
Barksdale’s attorney, Shannan Young, stated that the misdiagnosis caused profound emotional harm, including discussions with her sons about funeral arrangements. "She came into Kaiser Permanente looking for answers, and she left with a diagnosis that did not belong to her. And every step that was taken after that was based off of misinformation," Young said.
Kaiser Permanente’s Response
Kaiser Permanente did not provide details on how the labelling error occurred but confirmed that corrective measures were implemented after the incident. A spokesperson stated that the organization has highly trained staff and thorough processes in place to prevent such errors.
The lawsuit seeks damages for the physical and emotional harm caused by the incident, though specific claims were not disclosed. Kaiser Permanente has not publicly commented on the legal proceedings beyond its initial statement.
Medical Context
Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs, with symptoms including abnormal bleeding. While fibroids are noncancerous, they can cause heavy bleeding and discomfort, often requiring medical intervention. Hysterectomies are typically performed to treat cancer or severe conditions but are not standard for fibroids alone.
The case raises questions about labelling protocols in medical facilities and the safeguards required to prevent mix-ups in tissue samples.