Failure To Diagnose Cancer

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Early detection of cancer prevents death and the need for painful and expensive treatment such as disfiguring surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Some studies suggest, however, that approximately 128,000 American cancer patients suffer some degree of damage as the result of having been initially misdiagnosed. Such misdiagnoses primarily occur due to improperly conducted blood or tissue sampling, or to a misreading of laboratory results. Among the most commonly misdiagnosed are breast, colon, cervical, prostrate, and esophageal cancers.

Some typical situations
The following incidents are among those that can lead to a misdiagnosis, late diagnosis, or failure to diagnose cancer, and may be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit:

• The patient reports symptoms indicating the need for further tests that are not done
• A breast lump, rectal bleeding or pap smear is ignored
• X-ray, mammogram, MRI, or PSA test results are misread or misinterpreted
• Test results are not reported
• The patient is not referred to a specialist when so indicated

Cancer is progressive, and is viewed in certain stages by medical professionals. Staging is the process by which physicians assess the size and location of a cancer. Early diagnosis of cancer is critical because a cancer patient’s survivability rate is directly related to the stage the cancer was in when it was detected. There is a multitude of tests and imaging processes in addition to those already mentioned by which physicians can not only diagnose cancer but also determine the stage it is in.

Failure to diagnose cancer cases are often complex. In addition to requiring knowledge of the applicable laws, they require knowledge of the current medical practices involved. A medical malpractice attorney must have the relevant experience and resources necessary to determine if cancer should have been diagnosed earlier. And due to the statute of limitations, (time limits by which you must file a claim in your state), you should have your potential claim reviewed as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected.

So don’t delay in contacting us at the Law Firm of McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates in South Carolina. We can begin right away assessing your situation and gathering information to build your case. Give us a call, or send an email today to set up a free consultation.

Free Case Evaluation

Our South Carolina medical malpractice attorneys will evaluate your case at no cost or obligation to you. You should know that there are strict deadlines that apply to how long you have to pursue a claim.

If you believe you may have a claim, you should have it evaluated by our medical malpractice team right away. Click here for a free case evaluation>>>