Cancer misdiagnosis

Importance of early diagnosis

Sometimes doctors do not correctly diagnose cancer in their patients. In fact, the main cause of all medical error or medical malpractice lawsuits is cancer misdiagnosis.

Early detection of cancer is a matter of life and death.

For example, breast cancer has a 95% survival rate when found in its earliest stage. When breast cancer progresses to “stage 4”. an individual only has a 7% chance of survival. In fact, the key to successful treatment of most types of cancer is early diagnosis.

Other common cancers for which early treatment is crucial include cancers of the prostate, cervix, colon, lung, kidney, ovaries, skin, and testicles. It is important for your GP to look for cancers that may pose a higher risk to you, due to your family history, gender, or age. Most cancer tests are painless. Regular cancer screenings and early diagnosis can greatly increase your prospects for a long, quality life.

Some of the mistakes a doctor can make when detecting cancer include:

  • Not understanding or noticing the nature of a patient’s complaints.
  • Not requesting the proper test, such as a mammogram or a PSA test.
  • Not reading or interpreting test results correctly.
  • Failure to refer a patient to a specialist for further testing.
  • Not taking into account that a patient’s family history increases the risk of a particular type of cancer.
  • Not noticing a mass or mistaking a malignant mass for a benign one.
  • Do not perform routine tests, such as a prostate screening test for men over the age of fifty.
  • Failing to assess someone who is at risk because of age or ethnicity. For example, African American men are at increased risk for prostate cancer and need screening tests beginning in their 40s.
  • Lack of follow-up with a patient if cancer is suspected.

Sometimes the reason for the delay in cancer diagnosis is not the doctor’s fault. You need to take care of your own health and have medical checkups.

If you have discomfort, pain, an unusual lump or mass, or other health problems, be sure to tell your doctor. Also, tell your doctor about any family or personal history of cancer. If you think you are not being adequately screened for cancer risks, you should raise this concern with your doctor. Never be afraid to seek a second opinion, if you think it is necessary.

There are many reasons why you should speak with a medical malpractice attorney about your legal rights after an instance of cancer misdiagnosis. After you or a loved one is misdiagnosed with cancer, it is important to speak with a personal injury attorney experienced in medical malpractice law for several compelling reasons:

Put a fighter in your corner

Insurance companies will fight vigorously against paying damages to a victim of medical malpractice, especially cases involving a misdiagnosis of cancer. You need a law firm that will vigorously represent your interests in these proceedings and advise you as your claim progresses.

Peace of mind

You owe it to yourself and your family to seek experienced legal advice. To protect all of your legal rights, you need a law firm that is well versed in the complicated laws that govern medical malpractice law.

The financial impact of injuries

The cost of a cancer misdiagnosis can be catastrophic. This is an extreme hardship when injuries make work impossible and rent, gas, and medical bills start to pile up. You need a law firm to help you recover these costs from the insurance company or the at-fault party. A study recently indicated that injured parties represented by legal counsel obtain much greater recoveries than those who attempt to represent their own interests.

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