When Cancer is Misdiagnosed

Everyone knows the importance of getting a second opinion. When it comes to cancer, it has never been truer. It can be easy for doctors to misdiagnose cancer's symptoms for a much less serious condition. Symptoms of brain cancer can be mistaken for migraine headaches. Symptoms of lung cancer can be mistaken for bronchitis. Symptoms of colon cancer can be mistaken for hemorrhoids.

Diagnosing cancer in the early stages is crucial and can be a life and death matter. Make sure your doctor is thorough and rules out all possible diseases and conditions. Failure to do so could be medical malpractice and you should consult a Boston injury attorney.

The Importance of Early Detection

If not detected early, cancer can spread quickly throughout the body. Cancerous cells multiply at an un-controllable rate in the body's organs and tissues. This occurs due to a genetic mutation that causes old or damaged cells to divide instead of die. The result is a cancerous tumor that prevents the normal functioning of the organ or tissue.

Proper cancer diagnosis begins with a complete personal and family medical history. Risk factors, disclosing any symptoms and a physical examination are crucial as well. Risk factors vary depending on the type of cancer, but can include:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Extreme sun exposure
• A family history of cancer

In some cases, a biopsy is necessary. This entails removing a small sample of cells or tissues from the affected area and examining it for cancerous cells. Primary cancer is the initial development of cancer, and secondary cancer occurs when it spreads to another part of the body.

Cancer is more treatable when caught in its early stages. A patient's prognosis depends on age, location of the cancer, general health condition and other factors. The life expectancy of a cancer patient has improved greatly over the years due to better treatment and early detection programs. However, cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the United States. Heart disease is first.

It is common for people to have cancer and be completely unaware of it. There are home medical diagnostic tests for certain types of cancer. However, never rely on self-diagnosis as a correct conclusion. Routine screening is crucial for certain types of cancer and can be a means of prevention. If you or a loved was misdiagnosed, contact a Boston injury lawyer for a consultation about medical malpractice.