If your doctor misses a cancer diagnosis entirely, you know that it can have a serious impact on your life. You’re not going to get the treatment that you need. The cancer could become fatal, all because your doctor didn’t identify it correctly.
But there are other situations in which the diagnosis will simply be delayed. The doctor may finally realize that you have cancer, though they’ve been seeing some of the signs and symptoms for the last 12 months. Maybe the doctor just thought you had a skin condition or gastronomical issues. They eventually realize that you’re dealing with serious cancer and get you started on the correct treatment.
In the end, the doctor got it right. But this mistake could still have fatal ramifications.
Has the cancer spread?
The problem is that cancer can spread or metastasize throughout the body. It starts in one organ, but it can move through the bloodstream and end up in other areas of the body. It can then start growing on these new organs.
For example, maybe you have a minor type of lung cancer that could have been treated if it was caught early, allowing you to make a recovery. But your doctor significantly delayed making the correct diagnosis. During that time, the cancer entered your bloodstream and moved to the brain. It is now inoperable and qualifies as a terminal condition. As you can see, your doctor’s error is directly responsible for the severe state of your cancer.
Seeking compensation
With all instances of medical malpractice or medical mistakes, patients may want to seek financial compensation. If you have suffered or lost a loved one, make sure you know what legal steps to take.
