There are multiple medical malpractice cases that can result from a misdiagnosis breast cancer. Sometimes a palpable lump discovered during a self -examination results in a negative mammogram. If the lump can be felt, but is found negative in a mammogram, further inquiry such as an ultrasound or biopsy should be pursued. Failure to diagnose existing cancer during a patient inquiry may constitute malpractice.
Types of Misdiagnosis
Other misdiagnosis may include misreading of ultrasound or mammogram results. These may be simple errors resulting from the number of people handling the test materials, or just involve an inexperienced practitioner not detecting existing evidence of cancer.
Occasionally, biopsy results may not show existing cancer if the person conducting the procedure fails to reach the mass when doing the biopsy.
Because early diagnosis of breast cancer is so vital to the patient’s successful recovery, when a health care professional is given the opportunity to detect breast cancer that exists, yet fails, a malpractice case is likely in order.
Who is at Risk for Misdiagnosis?
Young women are at a higher risk to be misdiagnosed as not having breast cancer. Since they do not fall into the normal age range for breast cancer diagnosis, doctors sometimes mistakenly don’t conduct adequate testing to ensure that they are in complete health. While it can also happen to any woman at any age, if you are a young woman with a breast mass, do not hesitate to get a second opinion or request that your physician conduct further testing if you are not satisfied that a negative mammogram result accurately reflects your situation.
Early detection of breast cancer is even more important to younger women because the form of cancer they often get can be more aggressive than that of older women. So, if you are showing any symptoms of breast cancer, it is vital to take an active roll with your physician early on to better your chances of fighting cancer if it is found. Early detection vastly improves successful healing in all age groups.
Getting Legal Help
If you or someone you care about has experienced a misdiagnosis of breast cancer, you should talk about your situation with an experienced medical malpractice attorney in your state. An attorney will help you assess the possibility of recovering damages in your situation. Discuss your potential case as early as possible to make sure that the statute of limitations does not expire before you are able to file a case.
