Misdiagnosis of Breast Cancer can Constitute Medical Malpractice

Diagnosing breast cancer

Over 1.5 million women undergo a medical procedure called breast biopsy every year in the United States. Unfortunately, this study finds that this test leaves a lot of room for human error and medical negligence.

A pathologist's diagnosis often disagrees with the actual problem, due to oversight and negligence. In cases of diseases like breast cancer, a misdiagnosis or a failure to diagnose can either result in over treatment, under treatment, or potential fatality for the patient.

Most women are diagnosed with cancer by undertaking one of two paths. They either detect a lump in the breast(s) or get a mammogram done which reads "abnormal". In both cases, a biopsy will be required to be done immediately, where the doctor will take a small piece of her breast tissue for examination. Most important decisions about the diagnosis, course of treatment, and medication will be done based on the biopsy results.

It is also this stage that leaves a lot of room for misdiagnosis. When a physician or medical examiner does not take into full consideration, or completely oversees symptoms that could indicate a cancer in the breast, it can lead to a misdiagnosis.

Common symptoms of breast cancer

The most frequently experienced symptoms that indicate breast cancer are:

• Suspicious mass in the breast(s)
• Nipple discharge
• Reddening in the breast
• Pain in the breast
• Erythema
• Edema
• Skin retraction

Early diagnosis and treatment based on symptoms and biopsy results may help save the patient's life. For this reason, doctors recommend regular monthly self-examinations for breast cancer and its symptoms. However, when a medical expert fails to detect a breast cancer, the cancer is allowed to grow to an advanced and more critical stage.

A delay in diagnosis or a misdiagnosis of breast cancer by the physician increases the risk that the patient is exposed to. The more advanced the cancer gets, the lower the possibility for cure. Advanced cancers also have high rates of recurrence and mortality.

Misdiagnosis of breast cancer and medical malpractice

The medical practitioner is expected to extend the highest standard of care and attention while diagnosing and treating the patient's problem. When this standard is reduced by the doctor, it leads to negligence and often causes the patient to face life-threatening situations.

This becomes a case of medical malpractice. In such a case, the patient or his surviving family can file a lawsuit claiming medical malpractice against the medical practitioner, and seek compensation for losses including medical bills & hospital charges, loss of income and ability to earn a living, pain & suffering, and so on.

RMFW are medical malpractice lawsuit winners

If you or someone you know is suffering from breast cancer due to medical negligence by delaying the diagnosis, or a misdiagnosis, contact a New York City medical malpractice lawyer today to schedule a free consultation. Here is a number for you: 212-344-1000. This number will take you to Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff (RMFW) who know this legal battlefield and want to see you be recognized financially for your troubles.

How much time have you lost? How much money have you lost? You cannot get the time back but you can get paid for your pain and for your lost income. Call the law offices of RMFW now to address these concerns. The first conversation is on the house! You are not paid until they are paid!

Our lawyers can conduct extensive research and consult experts from the concerned fields to establish sufficient proof for the medical malpractice. Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff have law offices located in Astoria, Queens, New York City and two locations in Brooklyn.