Misdiagnosis of Breast Cancer – An Epidemic
Every year about 250,000 breast cancer cases are diagnosed in the U.S. Actually, the most common form of cancer diagnosed in women is breast cancer. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most frequently misdiagnosed types of cancer.
When receiving the proper diagnosis and treatments, many women will survive the pains of this horrible cancer. If a patient’s diagnosis is prolonged or missed completely, their rate of survival decreases. Perhaps no less tragic is a misdiagnosis of breast cancer when no cancer exists. In fact, there are circumstances when women was given chemotherapy, radiation and having their breasts removed only to learn they never had cancer.
What Causes a Misdiagnosis of Breast Cancer?
Numerous factors can lead to a misdiagnosis of breast cancer, but usually one or more of the following is involved:
- Radiology/mammography/biopsy errors – such as misinterpreted results
- Failure to recognize symptoms of breast cancer or confusing signs and symptoms with another condition
- Failure to perform necessary tests
A misdiagnosis of breast cancer can result in delayed treatment, the wrong course of treatment, and in severe cases, death.
Doctors Make Mistakes
A 2006 study published in the journal Cancer showed considerable disagreements among doctors with regard to diagnosing breast cancer – disagreements ranging from mammogram interpretation to suggested course of treatment.
The study emphasizes the importance of getting a second opinion when diagnosing breast cancer, which will reduce the risk of a misdiagnosis. Doctors make mistakes, and seeking the opinion of a specialist can make the difference between a correct diagnosis and a wrong diagnosis.
All the same, not all doctors advise their patients to seek a second opinion. Specialists too make mistakes. The bottom line is that any patient who has received a misdiagnosis of breast cancer has legal rights that can and should be protected.
Misdiagnosis and Medical Malpractice
A misdiagnosis of breast cancer may constitute an instance of medical malpractice. Victims of medical malpractice (or their families in cases of death) can take legal action against the negligent party(s) to obtain compensation for losses such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Treatment costs
- Disfigurement
- Loss of companionship/support
Legal claims involving a breast cancer misdiagnosis are subject to a deadline known as a statute of limitations, and deadlines vary from state to state. To make sure your legal rights are protected it is advised that you talk to an attorney if you think you have a case right away.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
If you have been the victim of a misdiagnosis of breast cancer or some other cancer, contact the medical malpractice attorneys at our law firm today. Our attorneys have helped numerous clients recover compensation for injuries caused by medical negligence and we’re glad to answer your legal questions in a free case evaluation.
Related Blogs
- Related Blogs on breast cancer
- How does a cruise sound? Young breast cancer survivors, Young …
- Breast Cancer And Dairy????????? | Carer's Blog – Health Care
- Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness Relay for Life Knee Socks …
- How Do You Deal With Your Sister Having Breast Cancer In Both Of …
- What Is The Big Fuss About Breast Cancer?
- Related Blogs on cancer
- At Our Bodies Our Blog: Cervical Cancer Scrreening Guidelines …
- What Is Cancer And Can Someone Explain In Detail Of What Happened …
- Related Blogs on malpractice
- Amputation Malpractice «
