Misdiagnosis of Lung Cancer – An Epidemic
One of the most diagnosed cancers, second to breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men, is lung cancer. It is also one of the most deadly, killing more men and women each year than any other type of cancer. A patient’s prognosis relies heavily on an early diagnosis and treatment since there is no cure for lung cancer.
However, not every patient receives a timely diagnosis and this is unfortunate because a misdiagnosis of lung cancer can have devastating consequences. We represent individuals and families who suffered losses because of medical negligence and our law firm will gladly evaluate your claim free of charge.
How Misdiagnosis of Lung Cancer Occurs
A misdiagnosis of lung cancer may refer to a delayed diagnosis, a missed diagnosis, or a wrong diagnosis. Factors that may lead to or cause a misdiagnosis of lung cancer include:
- Mistaking the lung cancer as another condition – bronchitis or tuberculosis, for example
- Failing to perform necessary tests such as x-rays, biopsies and/or MRIs
- Misinterpreting test results
- Failing to obtain full medical history – for instance, whether a patient suffered toxic exposure such as asbestos or is a smoker
- Mistaking symptoms of another condition for cancer when no cancer is present
- Identifying a tumor as benign when it’s malignant, or vice versa
Misdiagnosis can occur with any of the various types of lung cancer, including primary, secondary, small cell, non-small cell and mesothelioma.
What Happens When Lung Cancer Is Misdiagnosed
When lung cancer is not diagnosed accurately or in a timely manner, the following could occur:
- No treatment is initiated
- The wrong treatment is initiated
- Unnecessary treatment is initiated
In fact, a misdiagnosis of cancer can significantly reduce a patient’s survival rate and, in some cases, lead to an untimely death.
Victims of Misdiagnosis Have Legal Rights
Patients have a right to a certain standard of treatment. When a doctor acts negligent and fails to give the accepted level of care, patients can take legal action for losses they suffered. Recoverable damages depend on the circumstances of an individual case but may include any or all of the following:
- Expenses for treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of financial support
Are You Eligible for Compensation?
Let the experienced medical malpractice attorneys at our law firm evaluate your case free of charge and find out if you are eligible for compensation. If you have any questions about your claim we will answer them and inform you of your legal options. Speak with our attorneys today to find out more.
Tags: cancer, lung cancer, malpractice, medical malpractice, misdiagnosis, misdiagnosis of lung cancer