Misdiagnosis of Breast Cancer

In the U.S. close to 250,000 cases of breast cancer are being diagnosed every year. For women, this is the most common type diagnosed. This cancer is also one of the most misdiagnosis.

With the appropriate diagnosis and treatments, the survival rate increases for women. In addition, if the diagnosis does not happen early, the possible damage caused increases. There are also times when the misdiagnosis that occurs is that, in reality, there is no cancer at all. Women have gone through chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments when they were not needed.

What Causes a Misdiagnosis of Breast Cancer?

Misdiagnosis has many factors that lead to it. This normally includes one or more of the following:

* Radiology/mammography/biopsy mistakes - such as misread results
* Not recognizing symptoms of breast cancer or confusing signs and symptoms with another illness
* Failure to perform necessary tests

Because of misdiagnosis there could be a delay in treatment, not getting the right treatment and in some cases it ends up in death.

Doctors Make Mistakes

In the journal Cancer there was a study published in 2006 that showed disagreements between doctors regarding misdiagnosis of breast cancer. These disagreements range from mammograms interpretation to advising treatments for them.

This study also highlighted the importance of a second opinion in cases regarding the diagnosis in order to decrease the risk of error. Doctors make mistakes and getting a second opinion can make a difference from having a fatal illness and not having a fatal illness.

Some doctors fail to refer their patients to go get a second opinion. It is important to remember other medical staff such as specialists, can make mistakes. Point being, patients who have been misdiagnosis have legal rights and they can take action.

Misdiagnosis and Medical Malpractice

A diagnostic error is a type of medical malpractice. Victims can file a claim against the responsible party. Some compensation victims can claim includes:

* Pain and suffering
* Mental anguish
* Treatment expenses
* Disfigurement
* Loss of companionship/support

If you are a victim of medical malpractice, you have a deadline to file. These statutes of limitations are different in every state. To find out the laws in your state contact an attorney. They will protect your rights.

Contact an Attorney Today

Speak to a medical attorney if you are a victim of any form of misdiagnosis. An attorney protects the right of victims of these cases or any other type of cancer claim. These attorneys have countless success stories regarding compensation for their clients they will answer questions and give you legal advice, so contact an attorney today.
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