Early detection is one of the most important factors in successfully treating many types of cancer. Unfortunately, some cancers are frequently missed or misdiagnosed, leading to a worse recovery prognosis for patients.
In some situations, diagnostic mistakes are a form of medical malpractice, particularly if a medical provider failed to recognize warning signs, properly evaluate symptoms, or order appropriate tests.
What is a Delayed Diagnosis and Missed Diagnosis?
A missed diagnosis occurs when a healthcare provider fails to identify a medical condition that a patient currently has. A delayed diagnosis happens when the provider eventually identifies an adverse health condition, but only after a significant period of time has passed.
In cancer cases, these diagnostic errors can have serious consequences. Many cancers progress over time, and earlier detection often leads to more effective treatment options.
Diagnostic delays may occur for several reasons, including:
- Failure to order appropriate screening tests
- Misinterpretation of imaging or laboratory results
- Dismissing or overlooking patient symptoms
- Failure to refer a patient to a specialist
- Communication breakdowns between healthcare providers
In some cases, a patient may initially receive an incorrect diagnosis connecting their symptoms to a different health condition. When this happens, the underlying cancer may continue to grow undetected.
Diagnostic Mistakes and Common Forms of Cancer
Certain types of cancer are regularly associated with delayed or missed diagnoses. These cancers may produce symptoms that resemble other medical conditions or may require specialized testing to detect.
Some of the cancers most often involved in delayed diagnosis cases include:
- Breast cancer. In these cases, providers must evaluate suspicious lumps and follow up on abnormal mammogram findings with additional testing.
- Lung cancer. Early symptoms of lung cancer (e.g., coughing, fatigue, or chest discomfort) may initially be mistaken for respiratory infections or other conditions.
- Colorectal cancer. Colon cancer can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bowel changes, or rectal bleeding. However, these symptoms are sometimes attributed to less serious digestive conditions.
- Prostate cancer. In some cases, providers may not follow up or monitor a patient after an abnormal prostate screening.
- Skin cancer. Suspicious skin lesions or moles may be signs of melanoma or other skin cancers. Failing to evaluate these skin issues can lead to a more developed form of cancer.
- Ovarian cancer. With this form of cancer, symptoms often appear vague and similar to common digestive issues. Still, they must be evaluated to see if cancer is present.
When doctors fail to properly investigate symptoms or diagnostic results, patients may lose valuable time that could have been used for earlier treatment. That’s why diagnostic mistakes are a leading cause of medical malpractice-related deaths and injuries.
Contact an Experienced Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Lawyer for Help
When a healthcare provider negligently commits a diagnostic error, they may be liable for cancers and other conditions that go undetected. If you believe a delayed diagnosis or diagnostic mistake affected your cancer treatment, you may have a medical malpractice claim under Pennsylvania law.
You should speak with an attorney as soon as possible for help understanding your legal options. Contact an experienced Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer at Morris Wilson Knepp Jacquette, P.C. to discuss your situation during a free consultation.