Report: Doctor Snapped Selfie With Joan Rivers, Performed Unauthorized Biopsy
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Just before Joan Rivers stopped breathing last month, the comedian's personal doctor snapped a selfie with her while she was under anesthesia and then performed an unauthorized biopsy, a source told CNN.
The Aug. 28 biopsy at Yorkville Endoscopy on the Upper East Side took place after Dr. Lawrence Cohen performed a biopsy on Rivers while looking for possible digestive issues, according to the report, which cites a staff member at the clinic.
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During the procedure -- which used a tiny camera to look at the 81-year-old's vocal cords -- Cohen reportedly found something of possible concern.
Rivers' personal doctor -- who has not been named -- was not authorized to do a biopsy and was not certified to operate at the office where the procedure was being performed, according to the report.
At some point, Rivers' vocal cords reportedly started to swell, cutting off her oxygen and leading to cardiac arrest, CNN reported.
The "Fashion Police" star was then rushed by paramedics to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she died a week later.
Last week, CBS 2 learned Cohen was no longer performing procedures at Yorkville Endoscopy or serving as the office's medical director.
Neither Cohen nor Rivers' personal doctor have been accused of wrongdoing.
The clinic has denied any vocal cord biopsy was performed there.
Amidst the allegations and investigation, Joan's daughter Melissa Rivers posted a message to her Twitter Wednesday night thanking everyone for the outpouring of love and support.
"My mother would have been overwhelmed by the scope and depth of the love that people have expressed for her. It is certainly helping to lift our spirits during this time," the statement reads in part.
As my son Cooper and I mourn the loss of my mother, we want to thank everyone for the beautiful cards and flowers co… http://t.co/FKPejY4nQz
— Melissa Rivers (@MelRivers) September 17, 2014
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