Breast surgeon could face criminal investigation, police say WEST MIDLANDS, England, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- A British doctor may face charges for allegedly misdiagnosing at least 450 women with breast cancer and performing unnecessary surgeries, police said. The General Medical Council is investigating allegations Dr. Ian Paterson might have performed "unnecessary or inappropriate" breast operations, The Guardian reported. More than 100 of the affected patients have complained to the GMC about Paterson's alleged malpractice. Paterson could face a criminal investigation for allegedly making claims with medical insurers for unnecessary surgeries or surgeries he did not perform, as well as performing "cleavage-sparing" mastectomies, which are not sanctioned in the United Kingdom. "Many of the women operated on by Mr. Paterson using this controversial technique have had to undergo further surgery to remove the excess tissue and unfortunately some have had their cancer return," said a lawyer for the women. Paterson was suspended by the GMC at a hearing in October. "I am co-operating fully with the GMC investigation and cannot comment on any of the issues raised because of my duty of patient confidentiality and the ongoing investigation," Paterson, who is being represented by the Medical Defense Union, said in a statement Tuesday. West Midlands police said they were "working closely with the GMC to assess the allegations and determine whether a criminal investigation is necessary."