Common Types of Cancer Misdiagnosis

One of the most common reasons for malpractice suits is misdiagnosis. When an illness is misdiagnosed, it often delays treatment or causes treatment for the wrong condition. In the case of cancer, a misdiagnosis can be deadly, since one of the main factors in successful treatment of cancer is early treatment.

There are standard tests for detecting many types of cancer. However, the exact tests used vary by the type of cancer the doctor is looking for. This is where the difficulty arises. Since there is no single or set of tests that can find all types of cancers, it is up to your doctor to evaluate symptoms appropriately, so that he or she can choose the right tests. This is why routine cancer screenings recommended for healthy people are so important. For many cancers, waiting until symptoms arise to test can mean that the cancer is already in its advanced stages.

Cancer misdiagnosis happens regularly. In fact, it is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed diseases in the US, according to a study by Harvard University. And, when it does happen, the result often is that the cancer has become more advanced, making successful treatment less likely.

Commonly Misdiagnosed Cancers

Breast Cancer - Though the medical community has made great strides in treating breast cancer, it is still one of the most commonly misdiagnosed cancers. This is likely because it is one of the most commonly occurring cancers. Up to 10% of all women will experience breast cancer during their lifetime. For this reason, regular screenings, most importantly mammograms, are critical in all women. They should begin even earlier in women with a family history of breast cancer. The prognosis for breast cancer patients is extremely good when the cancer is caught early. The primary reasons for misdiagnosis include lack of skill in detecting breast lumps, incorrect test interpretations and failure to recognize the symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer, a rare but aggressive form of the disease. This cancer is often misdiagnosed as an infection, because, rather than causing a lump in the breast, it causes inflammation.
Colorectal Cancer - Colorectal cancer is another cancer that can be easily misdiagnosed for several reasons. First of all, in its early stages, it may have no symptoms at all. This is why detection screenings, like colonoscopy beginning at age 50 are so important. Secondly, the symptoms can easily be mistaken for other illnesses, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and even hemorrhoids. Thirdly, because the symptoms of colorectal cancer can be embarrassing, many patients delay seeking treatment.
Lung Cancer - Lung cancer is commonly misdiagnosed as something far less serious, like a respiratory infection. Because there are no early screening tests for lung cancer, this often leads to the disease being diagnosed at advanced stages, making treatment difficult. If non small cell lung cancer is diagnosed at early stages, it is very treatable today.

Seeking a Legal Opinion

If you've been the victim of a cancer misdiagnosis, it's time to speak to an attorney. You may be able to help offset the expenses of your treatment through a lawsuit. Medical expenses can be financially devastating, and you shouldn't have to burden them alone if your illness has been misdiagnosed.

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