Misdiagnosis and carelessness handling of diagnostic testing can lead to delayed treatment resulting in death.
Misdiagnosis of breast cancer sometimes happens. And when it happens, the patient and the patient’s family are left with the devastation of the news of finding out that the disease is at its later stages and treatment will not help. Such things as misdiagnosis and the carelessness handling of diagnostic testing can lead to this kind of negligence.
“Mammograms are important in detecting the malignant tumor in the breast, and is why misreading a mammogram or inattention or neglect of the x-ray or other diagnostic tests are unfortunate determinants of a patient’s fate,” said Attorney Joel T. Faxon of Stratton Faxon, a trial law firm in Connecticut.
But finding a solid mass in the X-ray is one indicator of breast cancer. There are other diagnostic tests such MRIs, PET scans, lymph node biopsies and hormone tests, which determine whether the breast cancer has spread. Misdiagnosis in any of these tests can also be devastating. The breast lump might also be too small to even see or feel, or the patient may be experiencing symptoms that may resemble or mimic other diseases. Therefore, delayed treatment can occur, prolonging diagnosis and proper treatment.
According to Center for Disease Control, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer for women. It is the number one cancer killer in Hispanic women and number two for blacks, Caucasian, Asian/Pacific Islander and Native American women. In 2006, 191,410 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 40,820 women died from it. It is obvious from those statistics alone how early detection is imperative to prevent the progression of the disease which often times leads to death.
“If you suspect that you have been misdiagnosed and experienced delayed treatment because of misdiagnosis or misinterpretation of the tests, contact your nearest experienced medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible,” Faxon said. “Even if you are unsure, listen to your gut-feeling and do so immediately.”
To learn more, visit http://www.strattonfaxon.com.
