A common medical negligence claim in the UK is the failure to diagnose cancer.
Generally speaking, successful treatment of cancer demands early diagnosis and unfortunately some cancers are missed when it should have been possible to pick them up, while in other cases, medical professionals can sometimes misdiagnose it as something else.
If a healthcare professional has failed to diagnose cancer, such that there has been a delay in diagnosis, it is genuinely considered to be a form of clinical negligence.
If you have been affected by a failure to diagnose cancer, you could be entitled to claim medical negligence compensation against the medical professional responsible. 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 Kay Kelly, Head of Clinical Negligence or one of her team on 0800 954 9936.
Types of cancer misdiagnosis
Misdagnosis claims can include a number of cancer types including breast, cervical, lung, ovarian, prostate, testicular, as well as many others and often result in considerable damages.
Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis
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 chance of recovery is reduced. In these circumstances, you may be able to claim compensation. 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 another common form of cancer in women. It 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. Smear tests are crucial in detecting the onset, however, it is well known that there have been many instances of inaccurate smears leading to misdiagnosis.
Legal action is advised 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 should seek advice from a professional solicitor.
Ovarian Cancer Misdiagnosis
Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumour which begins in the ovaries and may spread.
The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, however certain factors which may increase the chances of ovarian cancer occurring 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, it is easily treatable. Over 90% of prostate cancer cases are treated successfully.
Unfortunately a small number of misdiagnosis cases occur every year due to medical error, or lack of care from a medical professional.
Get in touch with Lanyon Bowdler
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. Our lawyers specialise in cancer compensation claims and can offer expert advice on the necessary steps to take your case further.
For more information or to set up a free consultation call us today on 0800 954 9936 or visit one of our many offices throughout the Midlands including Hereford, Ludlow, Telford, Shrewsbury and Oswestry.