Delayed Cancer Diagnosis
One of the most common types of medical malpractice cases is misdiagnosis or
delayed diagnosis of cancer. This is particularly true of breast cancer, which,
according to various reports, represents the largest segment of medical
malpractice lawsuits in the U.S. One reason for this is the fact that breast
cancer is so common relative to other forms of cancer. Breast cancer is the
most common type of cancer among women in the U.S. and the leading cause of
death for women ages 40 to 55. Despite this, many women who develop breast
cancer and could be treated are denied the opportunity when physicians
negligently fail to diagnose their condition until it is too late. The result of
this negligence is often the loss of treatment options and/or the chance of
survival. The following are examples of some of the more common acts of
negligence by physicians in failing to timely diagnose and/or treat breast
cancer:
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Failing to order a mammogram, misinterpreting a mammogram, or otherwise failing
to react to mammogram findings
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Relying upon mammography in place of a physical breast examination
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Failing to perform a breast examination which would have identified an obvious
tumor
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Failing to identify a palpable lump during a breast examination
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Diagnosing a breast infection instead of a cancerous tumor
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Diagnosing a tumor as benign and failing to perform a biopsy
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Disregarding a history of sharp pain in the breast, or signs of retraction
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Failing to determine the cause of nipple discharge
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Relying upon negative.aspiration biopsy
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Failing to order additional radiological tests, a biopsy, or ultrasound when
appropriate
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Failing to communicate with the patient
When a diagnosis of cancer is made, the physician examines the affected tissue
and identifies the type of cancer by the microscopic appearance of the cells.
The doctor then classifies the cancer according to how advanced it is �
otherwise known as staging. Cancer treatments vary widely depending upon the
type of cancer and its stage. The probability that breast cancer will recur in a
patient is directly related to the stage of the malignancy. If breast cancer is
detected and addressed before the cancer has spread to any lymph nodes, the
chances of survival are significantly better than otherwise. As such, any undue
delay in diagnosing or treating breast cancer can have devastating consequences.
If you believe that a physician's failure to timely diagnose or treat breast
cancer may have resulted in a loss of treatment options and/or chance of
survival, call Buchanan & Buchanan, P.L.C. now at (616) 458-2464 or Toll Free: (800) 272-4080
or CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A SIMPLE
CASE FORM. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to
accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get
paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds.
Don�t delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your
injuries, but you must file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires.
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