[Thor]

An alternative therapist who failed to refer a client to a doctor while an invasive cancer ate through her skull could continue practicing unimpeded, raising concern among medical professionals.

Iridologist Ruth Nelson may face Human Rights Tribunal action over her treatment of Yvonne Main, who sought help for what she believed was a cyst on her head in 2008.

Mrs Nelson, from Te Horo, south of Levin, carried out a variety of natural health treatments over the next 18 months, as the invasive carcinoma grew to 10cm by 11cm in size.

By the time Mrs Maine went to see a doctor in late 2009, the cancer had eaten into her skull and exposed her brain.

She received major surgery, with part of her skull replaced with bone from her ribs, but died a year later.

Iridology is the the study of the iris - the coloured part of the eye - to help evaluate illness and weaknesses within the body.

Health sector lawyer Jonathan Coates said there was nothi

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=10831400