Cancer misdiagnosis is on the rise, despite innovative medical advances. In fact, every year an estimated 12% of cancer cases -- or one of every 8 -- are initially misdiagnosed. While a cancer misdiagnosis can cause tremendous pain, fear, stress and financial loss, it also substantially reduces a patient’s chances for full recovery and survival. Medical advances in MRIs and x-rays provide patients with an increased chance at a full recovery; however, a full, healthy recovery depends on a timely diagnosis and proper treatment. A negligently delayed diagnosis of cancer can result in the spread of the disease to a point beyond which medical intervention can help. The progression of cancer can lead to a substantial increase in medical bills, pain and suffering, personal injury and wrongful death.

As a result of medical malpractice, cancer is often misdiagnosed as a cyst, chronic fatigue, graves disease, oral thrust, leukoplakia, dermatitis, halitosis, gastroparesis or anorexia nervosa. While any type of cancer can be misdiagnosed, mistakes are most common for:

    * Breast cancer

    * Prostate cancer

    * Kidney cancer

    * Brain cancer

    * Lung cancer

    * Leukemia

A number of possible reasons exist for cancer diagnostic error, including:

    * Failure to order or follow up on tests, including a biopsy

    * Mistakenly diagnosing a tumor as benign

    * Mistakenly diagnosing a tumor as a cyst or an infection

    * Ignoring common symptoms of cancer, such as fatigue

    * Failure to identify lumps

    * Failure to follow-up with a patient

    * Misinterpretation of test results

Alternatively, patients might be incorrectly diagnosed with cancer, resulting in tremendous pain and suffering caused by unnecessary surgery, radiation and extensive chemotherapy.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of cancer misdiagnosis and medical malpractice, you may be entitled to damages including medical expenses, lost wages and other compensation.