Failure to Diagnose
Failure to diagnose a disease in a timely manner can make the difference between life and death. When an illness is not treated promptly and correctly, it may progress to an untreatable, unmanageable stage, leading to death. A failed, delayed or inaccurate diagnosis acts like a snowball moving down a mountain, gathering speed and volume. The success of treatment options and survival chances are directly related to detecting a disease at the earliest possible stage, making screening tests and recognition of early warning signs critical for patient survival. Failure to diagnose leaves a patient at the mercy of disease.
Failure to order x-rays, CAT scans, MRIs, mammograms, ultrasounds, laboratory blood work, or to improperly interpret and report results, all contribute to a failure to diagnose. Failure to perform basic screening tests and examinations that are standard practice within the medical community is also considered failure to diagnose. Any of these steps along the way can result in worsening of a treatable medical condition leading to premature and unnecessary death.
Failure To Diagnose Cancer
When it comes to treating cancer, time is of the essence. The later a cancer is diagnosed, the more difficult it is to treat. Yet, despite the advances of modern medicine, health care providers often fail to diagnose cancer at an early stage. Unfortunately, the failure to diagnose cancer can be a result of medical negligence.
Examples of Medical Negligence That Can Result In The Failure to Diagnose Cancer:
* Failure to order proper tests
* Failure to heed patient's complaints
* Misinterpretation of test results
• Delay in referring patient to medical specialists
Consequences of Failing To Diagnose Cancer
A patient's quality of life and survival depend on how early the diagnosis of cancer is made. A failure to diagnose cancer in a timely manner can have devastating consequences including:
* Progression of the cancer to a more advanced stage
* Shortened life expectancy
• Death
Common Types of Undiagnosed Cancer
Below are some common types of cancers that can be successfully treated in their early stages yet are commonly missed due to medical negligence:
* Breast Cancer
* Colon Cancer
* Ovarian Cancer
* Prostate Cancer
* Cervical Cancer
* Lung Cancer
* Testicular Cancer
* Renal-Kidney Cancer
* Esophageal Cancer
• Skin Cancer
Living With A Failure To Diagnose Cancer
A failure to diagnose cancer can have a range of outcomes, including progression of the cancer and death. In cases where the patient survives, the victim and their family may have to adapt to a new way of living and wages may be lost. A highly competent team of physicians, nurses, therapists and counselors may be needed to assist in the victim's recovery. And while some individuals do return to their pre-cancer way of living, others struggle with permanent disability, chronic pain and suffering and shorter life spans. In cases where the victim dies, the family is left with the loss of a loved one as well as the loss of financial support, funeral and medical expenses, loss of inheritance, and if children are involved, the loss of nurture and guidance from their deceased parent. We can fight for your rights to obtain financial compensation.
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