A cancer diagnosis is a harrowing, life-changing experience. Extensive treatment may be required and surgery is often necessary.
However, perhaps even more devastating is a cancer misdiagnosis. It’s important that cancer patients begin treatment as soon as possible to prevent the disease from spreading. If the cancer isn’t detected early on, it may spread with impunity drastically lowering the patient’s chance of survival.
Although uncommon, cancer misdiagnosis does happen at an alarming level – at an estimated rate of 28 percent, according to Boston Magazine.
Frequently misdiagnosed cancers
It’s important to note that some cancer types are more susceptible to misdiagnosis than others, and some types extremely so. If a patient knows which kinds of cancer are likely to be misdiagnosed, they are more likely to take precautionary measures to mitigate the consequences, such as seeking a second opinion.
The following are the four most frequently misdiagnosed types of cancer:
- Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is misdiagnosed because it is at times difficult to tell the difference benign cysts and cancerous tumors.
- Lung Cancer: There are many lung-related diseases that manifest similar symptoms to lung cancer making misdiagnosis common.
- Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms of pancreatic cancer are similar to those of other pancreatic afflictions, including pancreatitis.
- Colorectal Cancer: Many other inflammatory diseases occur in the bowl, and many share warning signs with colorectal cancer.
A cancer misdiagnosis can have devastating consequences. Thankfully, the law creates a cause of action for victims. A successful lawsuit may result in a financial award for the victim and their family. An experienced cancer misdiagnosis lawyer can provide invaluable advice during such a trying time, helping the client weigh options and chart a path forward.