Misdiagnosis of Cancer
The misdiagnosis of cancer is one of the most commonly occurring, not to mention most life-threatening, types of medical malpractice in the United States. Cancer is one of those illnesses that requires early diagnosis and aggressive treatment for the best outcome, and a misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose can have deadly consequences.
At Burke & Eisner, we’re committed to helping those who have suffered the consequences of a misdiagnosis of cancer. Contact us for a free claim evaluation.
The Most Frequently Misdiagnosed Cancers
Of the more than 150 types of known cancers, the following are among the most frequently misdiagnosed:
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Lung cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Renal cancer
- Ovarian cancer
A misdiagnosis of cancer in any of these instances may result in delayed treatment, the wrong type of treatment, or no treatment at all.
How Misdiagnosis of Cancer Occurs
- The doctor fails to recognize signs and symptoms of cancer and instead diagnoses a different illness or nothing at all. In such cases, the missed cancer may progress to more advanced, less treatable stages.
- The doctor diagnoses the wrong type of cancer; for instance, diagnosing lung cancer when the patient actually has breast cancer. This can cause a patient to undergo unnecessary therapy while the true source of cancer continues to spread.
- The physician diagnoses cancer when no cancer is present. For example, a doctor may diagnose breast cancer in a patient who doesn’t have the disease, and the patient may suffer painful, debilitating and unnecessary chemotherapy or other treatment.
Other issues that may factor into a misdiagnosis of cancer include misinterpreted X-rays, biopsies and/or imaging scans as well as a failure to order tests altogether.
Is the Doctor Responsible?
The responsibility for a misdiagnosis of cancer may lie with a physician (or multiple physicians), a laboratory technician, a pathologist, a radiologist and even with a hospital or medical facility. Whenever an individual suspects medical negligence, it’s always best to seek the counsel of a medical malpractice attorney to discuss possible liability.
Victims of medical malpractice may be entitled to compensation for financial, emotional and physical losses. This is also true for families of patients who died as a result of misdiagnosed cancer. In cases involving death, families may be able to recover funeral costs as well as damages for loss of companionship and support.
Contact Burke & Eisner for a Free Case Evaluation
The medical malpractice attorneys of Burke & Eisner have secured fair and significant settlements on behalf of clients across the country. If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys regarding a possible claim of cancer misdiagnosis, contact us today. One of our experienced lawyers will evaluate your claim, answer your legal questions and inform you of your rights.
Three ways to Contact Us:
-- Fill out the Contact Us form in the Upper Right part of this page.
-- Use the Contact Us form located on the Instant Answer Page
-- Call us: 1-800-838-0800
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