If you have been affected by a failure to diagnose cancer, you may be entitled to claim medical negligence compensation. Our highly experienced team of solicitors at Lanyon Bowdler can assist you in the event you wish to complain or seek compensation. For legal advice on making a clinical negligence claim please contact Paula Nash, Head of Clinical Negligence or one of her team on 0800 954 9936.
A common medical negligence claim in the UK is the failure to diagnose cancer.
Generally speaking, successful treatment of cancer demands early diagnosis. If a healthcare professional has failed to diagnose cancer, such that there has been a delay in diagnosis, it could be considered clinical negligence.
Cancer clinical negligence claims can include breast, cervical, lung, ovarian, prostate, testicular, and many other types of cancer.
If you think that a health professional involved in your treatment or care has been negligent in diagnosing your illness as cancer, seek advice from a specialist clinical negligence solicitor.
Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis
It is known that the most common form of cancer found in women is breast cancer. Breast cancer occurs as a result of abnormal growths in cells within the breast, resulting in tumour formation.
If breast cancer is discovered early, then the chances of successful treatment are significantly improved.
Sadly, some cases of breast cancer are misdiagnosed or missed. In these cases, treatment may be more difficult and the chances of recovery affected.
In these circumstances, you may be able to claim compensation for clinical negligence. A misdiagnosis may occur in any number of circumstances, normally where test results are misinterpreted, or a lump is missed on examination.
Cervical Cancer Misdiagnosis
Cervical cancer is a common form of cancer in women. This cancer occurs when cells within the cervix begin to multiply at an unnatural rate, resulting in a tumour within the cervix. Cervical cancer can be treated if detected early. Cervical smear tests are crucial in detecting the onset of cervical cancer; however, it is well known that there have been many instances of inaccurate smears leading to misdiagnosis.
Claims for compensation may arise where there has been a delay in diagnosis. In addition, in such circumstances where there may have been a failure to remove enough tissue to effect a cure, this can lead to the cervical cancer returning and becoming harder to treat. The treatment of the cancer may also be inappropriate. Unnecessary radical treatment might lead to a woman being left unable to give birth.
If you have been affected by cervical cancer and believe you have been misdiagnosed or received inappropriate treatment, you may well have a claim.
Ovarian Cancer Misdiagnosis
Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumour which begins in the ovaries and may spread.
The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown. There are however certain factors which may increase the chances of ovarian cancer occurring, these include:-
- Relatives of someone with ovarian cancer are at an increased risk
- As you grow older, the risk of developing ovarian cancer increases
- Ovarian cancer is more likely in women who have not had children
- Fertility drugs or hormone treatments can increase the risk of ovarian cancer
Successful treatment of ovarian cancer is possible, providing there is an early diagnosis. Sadly, many cases of ovarian cancer are incorrectly diagnosed. If you have suffered from misdiagnosed ovarian cancer, you may be able to claim compensation for clinical negligence.
Prostate Cancer Misdiagnosis
Prostate cancer occurs when the cells of the prostate grow at an uncontrollable rate. If correctly diagnosed and caught early enough literature suggests over 90% of prostate cancer cases are treated successfully.
Cancer misdiagnosis is a very common clinical negligence claim. It is important to be aware of the legal options available if you want to pursue a claim. For a free consultation call 0800 954 9936