An Atlanta mother faces the aftermath of a medical error that resulted in an unnecessary full hysterectomy. Cassandra Barksdale visited Kaiser Permanente Southwood Medical Center in January 2025 to address uterine fibroids. During the process, a lab mix-up led to her receiving a diagnosis based on another patient’s tissue sample.
Barksdale received notification that she had aggressive endometrial uterine cancer. Doctors recommended an immediate total hysterectomy, which involved the removal of her uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and four lymph nodes. Even after pathology reports showed no signs of cancer, medical professionals suggested she undergo chemotherapy.
In September 2025, the facility finally informed Barksdale that the cancerous tissue belonged to a different patient. By then, she had already endured the surgery and the psychological toll of believing she had limited time to live. She informed her children that she was dying and began planning for their future, including setting up trust funds.
Barksdale has filed a lawsuit against Kaiser Permanente alleging negligence. She describes the experience as the cause of permanent physical injuries and a deep-seated distrust of medical care. The facility has acknowledged the error and stated that steps are in place to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. Barksdale is seeking damages through a jury trial.