Failure to Diagnose Cancer

Copyright (c) 2011 Barry D

A missed cancer diagnosis can lead to devastating consequence as patients may miss a prime opportunity to be treated early. A missed cancer diagnosis could result in cancer growth that may lead to further medical complications, the need for more invasive treatments, or even death.

When there is a missed cancer diagnosis, it may be a case of medical negligence. With common signs of cancer and a variety of options available to test for it, a healthcare provider could be held liable for undiagnosed cancer under certain circumstances. To be sure of your legal options during this difficult time, you should speak with a Chicago medical negligence attorney.

Common Types of Undiagnosed Cancer

The most common types of undiagnosed cancer include:

• breast cancer;

• prostate cancer;

• colon cancer;

• lung cancer;

• pancreatic cancer;

• skin cancer (melanoma);

• ovarian cancer;

• cervical cancer; and

• lymphoma.

An early diagnosis can make a significant difference in a cancer patient's prognosis. If a doctor's negligence leads to an undiagnosed cancer, treatment may be delayed and the chance of the undiagnosed cancer spreading or growing increases substantially. Common Signs of Cancer

Although each type of cancer is unique there are some common signs that should raise concerns. Some symptoms you should be especially vigilant of include any suspicious growth or lumps, unusual discharge or bleeding, bladder/bowel difficulties, indigestion, swallowing difficulties, unexplained weight loss, hoarseness, and ongoing cough.

Warning signs such as these could indicate cancer. Any physical changes in a patient should be carefully considered when a doctor is attempting to diagnose the cause.

Physical signs are one way to detect cancer but there are also a number of testing options available to accurately identify your condition. Biopsies, pap smears, mammograms and colonoscopies are examples of commonly available cancer tests.

While these tests are readily available, if a doctor, radiologist or other healthcare provider is negligent in reading them, it could also lead to a missed cancer diagnosis. Delayed treatment or treating the wrong condition may drastically affect an individual's medical condition and quality of life.

In addition, undiagnosed cancer may occur if the tests to detect its early signs are improperly administered, or if a doctor fails to order tests because of the expense involved.

In many circumstances, cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and other types of therapy and medication. However if there is a missed cancer diagnosis, these treatment options may do little good.

If you have suffered further injuries because a doctor failed to diagnose cancer, or there was medical negligence of another kind resulting in undiagnosed cancer, you should consult with a Chicago medical negligence attorney. A Chicago medical negligence attorney can determine if someone else is liable for your injuries and your missed cancer diagnosis.

If negligence was to blame for your missed cancer diagnosis, a Chicago medical negligence attorney can help you seek compensation for your medical expenses, emotional suffering and other ways in which your quality of life has been impacted through a medical malpractice claim.

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