Failure to Diagnose

An incorrect or delayed diagnosis can result in many problems for patients. The doctor may order the wrong tests or fail to request the right tests. Test results may be misinterpreted or simply misunderstood. And when a doctor fails to diagnose a condition that requires immediate treatment, especially in cancer cases, it can lead to the unnecessary suffering or even death of a patient.

Cancer is the most commonly misdiagnosed disease. Treatable cancers like colon cancer and breast cancer can be especially dangerous when left undiagnosed and untreated. A delay or misdiagnosis can have a profoundly negative effect on the patient’s prognosis.

Colon Cancer

In most cases, colon and rectal cancers begin as small polyps that can be removed before they grow into cancer. Finding these polyps early relies on a properly performed colonoscopy. This procedure allows the doctor to see conditions inside the colon and remove a sample of the bowel lining if abnormalities are found. Failure to see abnormalities or failure to order a colonoscopy in the first place can cause devastating consequences for the patient. In some cases, a doctor simply fails to tell a patient that certain symptoms may also be signs of cancer. This prevents the patient from seeking proper treatment.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can have an excellent prognosis when discovered and treated early. A breast cancer misdiagnosis can occur when an inexperienced technician misreads a mammogram. It can also happen when a doctor fails to follow through on a patient’s description of symptoms.

Delaying breast cancer treatment can have a serious negative impact the patient’s chance of recovery. The more advanced the cancer, the lower the patient’s chance of winning the fight against it.  Late diagnosis greatly increases the likelihood of death for cancer patients.

If you believe your doctor should have told you your symptoms could be cancer, or if a radiologist or physician failed to order the appropriate tests or diagnose your cancer, you may have a claim for medical malpractice. Contact Lamothe Law Firm today to find out if you have a case for malpractice. We will give your case a free evaluation so that you may understand your rights and the options available to you.