Cancer Misdiagnosis

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 565,000 people in the U.S. died of cancer in 2008.   By some estimates, between 8% and 12% of cancer cases are initially misdiagnosed.  A cancer misdiagnosis can have a devastating impact on the patient and his or her family.

How Does Cancer Misdiagnosis Happer?

Cancer misdiagnoses occur most frequently with very rare cancers or in patients who don't fit the typical profile for a particular form of cancer.  Misdiagnosis of cancer can also occur as a result of inadequate testing or misinterpretation of diagnostic tests or as a result of  a physician's lack of knowledge about certain cancers or his failure to take the symptoms and complaints of the patient seriously.

Cancer misdiagnosis may also include:

• Improper identification of a tumor as non-cancerous;
• Improper labeling or handling of a biopsy specimen;
• Failure to routinely check at risk patients;
• Failure to review the medical history of the patient's family when considering symptoms and making a diagnosis;
• Improper grading of cancer in terms of severity; and
• Failure to refer a patient to a specialist.

Misdiagnosing cancer with other less serious diseases or conditions or altogether failing to diagnose cancer can have a devastatingly negative impact on the effectiveness of treatment and on a patient's prognosis.

In some instances a patient may be incorrectly diagnosed with cancer.  Such a misdiagnosis can have catastrophic results due to the disfigurement and other debilitating consequences of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

Getting a Second Opinion

A diagnosis of cancer can paralyze a person with fear.  Why me?  How will I care for my children?  Who will care for them if I die?  How long do I have?  Don't let these fears keep you from being proactive in your medical care.  Seek a second or even a third opinion to make sure the initial diagnosis you received is correct.

Don't be afraid to ask questions or to request that lab test and other medical tests be repeated.  You must be proactive about your treatment. Once you've confirmed that the diagnosis is correct, don't delay treatment.  Remember, early detection and treatment are key factors to surviving cancer.  

Cancer Misdiagnosis Lawsuits

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a cancer misdiagnosis, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation.  Your doctor, the lab technician, the laboratory, and your doctor's medical practice  may be liable for your injuries.

Cancer misdiagnosis awards and settlements may include compensation for:

• Disfigurement;
• Wrongful Death;
• Past and Future Lost Wages;
• Past and Future Medical Expenses;
• Pain and Suffering;
• Reduced or Lost Earning Capacity; and
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life.   

Legal Help

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a cancer misdiagnosis, you should consult with a misdiagnosis attorney as soon as possible.  An experienced cancer misdiagnosis attorney will fight for you to receive the best possible award under the circumstances.