Misdiagnosis of Cancer

See Also : Clinical Negligence | MRSA | Cosmetic Surgery |
Cancer Misdiagnosis | Birth Injuries | Gynaecological Errors | Surgical Errors Nursing Neglect

Cancer misdiagnosis is among the most common cause of medical negligence compensation claims.

If a medical professional has mishandled a cancer diagnosis, the consequences can be very serious.

Common examples of cancer misdiagnosis include the loss of medical records, misinterpreting medical records and scans, failing to refer to other experts where appropriate and not reacting appropriately to the patient's concerns or those of a parent or guardian.

The most common cancer misdiagnosis and cancer negligence claims include:-

• The failure to order chest X-rays or scans when investigating the possibility of lung cancer
• The misinterpretation of X-rays or CT scans, preventing appropriate and timely diagnosis
• A failure to examine the prostate or to order required blood tests may be considered negligent in the event of prostate cancer
• A failure to perform faecal blood testing or conduct tests for colon cancer such as colonoscopy or barium enemas
• When checking for breast cancer, periodic screening mammograms may not be ordered, a mammogram may be interpreted as all clear or the doctor may fail to follow up testing after abnormal mammograms with repeat mammograms, ultrasounds or biopsies.

In some cases, cancer has been diagnosed where the patient does not have the illness at all.

This can result in unnecessary anxiety and medical treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy causing considerable pain and suffering to the patient and their family. This can also lead to compensation claims.

If you or a loved one have suffered as a result of a cancer misdiagnosis or negligent care, Corries has the experience and understanding you need to make a cancer misdiagnosis claim.

If you think you may have cause for a medical negligence claim, please call 0800 043 8884 for an informal chat to discuss your situation or simply fill in our online form on this page.