Tumour diagnosed as an STI

A young Whangãrei dad was horrified to discover he had a deadly avocado-sized tumour — six weeks after being told it was probably a sexually transmitted infection.

Hayden Baker was with his wife when a doctor asked him if there was any way he could have an STI.

Despite the 35-year-old firmly telling the doctor it wasn't possible, he was given antibiotics and sent home.

Northland District Health Board stands by that decision, saying the number of people who ’fess up to having an affair while their partner is present is low.

His wife Leah said it was “extremely uncomfortable and frustrating” that the doctor insisted he had an STI and they weren't listened to.

Northland District Health Board chief medical officer Dr Michael Roberts said staff had missed a diagnosis, adding it would have been difficult to make a correct diagnosis.

“The thing that I'm pleased about was that he was told if things didn't settle down then he should see his GP and he took that advice.”

Baker said he eventually went to his GP and was referred to Northland DHB's urology department.

Though Baker's prognosis didn't look positive, surgeons were able to successfully remove the tumour. He is now cancer-free.

Baker says Northland DHB wrote a letter of apology after he complained.

Though he's grateful an apology had been made, he said changes to the DHB's policy could have been made so that others weren't missed.

“I've become the go-to guy for friends and family. I tell them if you're not happy about something, get it checked. Men are idiots when it comes to our health but it's so important not to neglect ourselves."