The first step in receiving successful medical treatment is to get a
swift, accurate diagnosis. In cases involving potentially fatal
diseases such as cancer, timely diagnosis can mean the difference
between successful treatment and lengthier, more painful medical care,
possibly even culminating in death. Our medical malpractice attorneys
handle a full range of cases involving the failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis of serious medical conditions.
Cancer Misdiagnosis
When cancer diagnosis is delayed
and the disease is allowed to progress, more drastic forms of treatment
may be required, including higher dosages of radiation and
chemotherapy. These invasive treatments result in added pain and
expense for a patient already burdened with medical bills. Tragically,
cancer misdiagnosis can also lead to wrongful death. Cancer
misdiagnosis is often caused by a physician's:
- Failing to properly evaluate test results
- Failing to recognize common cancer symptoms
- Mistaking a tumor for an infection
- Failing to order a biopsy
- Diagnosing a tumor as benign
- Failing to order future tests
- Failing to follow up with a patient
Cancer
is often preventable or treatable if a proper and timely diagnosis is
made. If treatment is delayed due to misdiagnosis, however, the
patient's chances for survival and his or her quality of life will be
affected. Types of cancer that respond well to early diagnosis and
treatment include breast, lung, prostate, colon, ovarian, cervical,
testicular, and kidney cancer.
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