A Lawrence surgeon was cleared of negligence by a Douglas County jury Wednesday, after being sued for failing to diagnose a woman’s fatal breast cancer.

The lawsuit alleged Dr. Stephen Myrick didn’t perform a biopsy on a cyst found in a woman’s breast and she died as a result.

Paula McMillan, of Topeka, discovered the lump in her left breast in February 2004 and was referred to Myrick for testing, according to court documents. During a March 9, 2004, sonogram, he examined a 5-millimeter cyst and determined no additional follow up was necessary.

In early 2005, McMillan detected several new lumps in her breast, according to court documents prepared by Myrick’s attorneys. A different doctor diagnosed her with cancer in April 2005, but the cancer spread and the 39-year-old woman died May 13, 2005.

McMillan’s estate and 7-year-old daughter sought $1.5 million in damages.