Does a Cancer Misdiagnosis Mean You Have a Valid Medical Malpractice Claim? | Hernando County Medical Malpractice Lawyers Whittel & Melton

January 26, 2022

A cancer diagnosis can be very difficult news and something that is life changing. Perhaps the only thing harder to fathom than being diagnosed with cancer is finding out that your cancer was not properly diagnosed and you have had a delay in treatment. A cancer diagnosis is very serious and when your doctor is able to find it and accurately diagnose it, they can get you proper treatment with the hopes of fighting the cancer and extending the longevity of your life. Sadly, cancer misdiagnoses happen all the time.

Why Are Cancer Misdiagnosis’ So Common?

Many things can result in a misdiagnosis. The most common cause usually starts with a misread tissue sample from the pathology department. Other common causes of misdiagnosis are symptom confusions that are linked to other ailments when they are actually signs of cancer. This is why it can be very important to get a second opinion if you are experiencing any health concerns. Whether your initial diagnosis is positive or negative, you have the right to get more than one doctor’s opinion.

Common Misdiagnosed Cancers

When it comes to beating/treating cancer, early detection is crucial. The most common misdiagnosed cancers are lymphoma, breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and skin cancers.

When a doctor has misdiagnosed your cancer, they have kept you from getting the treatment that you desperately need to survive. Sadly, a misdiagnosis can mean a treatable early-stage cancer has now moved on to a more late-stage or possible terminal cancer.

No matter what stage your cancer has been diagnosed, it is vital to get treatment as soon as you learn about your diagnosis. Speak to your doctor about your options, and as we mentioned previously, get a second opinion. Even if you like your doctor and feel they are competent, a second opinion is still a good idea as diagnostic mistakes are very common among medical professionals.

What Steps to Take Following a Cancer Misdiagnosis

If you or a loved one has experienced a cancer misdiagnosis, it is likely that you do not know what you need to do. If you think that your healthcare provider was negligent and breached their duty of care, then you should contact our Hernando County Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Whittel & Melton right away so that we can evaluate your case. Depending on specifics of your case, you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, all expenses related to the misdiagnosis, funeral costs and burial expenses, lost income and more.

Our team of Medical Malpractice Lawyers work with medical experts to investigate, analyze, and prove medical malpractice claims. If you or a loved one has suffered from a cancer misdiagnosis, then let us help you determine if a medical malpractice suit is valid. Call us now at 352-666-2121 or contact us online.