Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis Lawyer Philadelphia Pennsylvania

Far too many women know what it is like to discover a breast lump and then wait for the diagnosis. It is horrifying waiting period. Unfortunately, receiving the diagnosis may not end their anxiety as some women get the wrong diagnosis.

Misdiagnosis of cancer may happen when a test was not done or a doctor or other medical professional misread the test results or missed the signs that should have lead to an accurate diagnosis. A misdiagnosis can result in no treatment, delayed treatment, the wrong treatment, and in severe cases, death.

Numerous factors can lead to a misdiagnosis of breast cancer, but usually one or more of the following is involved:

• Radiology/mammography/biopsy errors – such as misinterpreted results
• Failure to recognize symptoms of breast cancer or confusing signs and symptoms with another condition
• Failure to perform necessary tests
• False negative result on mammogram
• Cysts mistaken for other conditions
• Common doctor negligence
• Cancerous tumors mistaken for precancerous conditions

One of the reasons why breast cancer gets misdiagnosed is the disagreement among doctors with regard to diagnosing breast cancer – disagreements ranging from mammogram interpretation to suggested course of treatment. One of such disputed areas is the diagnosis and treatment of a condition called ductal carcinoma in situ, or D.C.I.S.

About 17 percent cases of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ get misdiagnosed. Some doctors treat D.C.I.S. as a precancerous condition in which malignant cells are found in the lining of a breast duct without any evidence of having spread beyond, while other medical experts consider it the earliest form of noninvasive breast cancer, where abnormal cells multiply and form a growth within a milk duct of the breast, not spreading out of the milk duct. According to the National Cancer Institute, sometimes, DCIS may become invasive cancer (spread out of the milk duct to invade other parts of the breast) and spread to other tissues.

Regardless of the medical debate about what ductal carcinoma in situ really is, the one thing is clear - if it is present, it has potential to cause serious harm. Yet, many women do not get treatment or get delayed treatment, because their doctors assure them their condition is not cancerous. The reason for that is that the diagnostic tests may be far from perfect.

Mammography can miss cancer, and, on the other hand, can show things other than cancer. The biopsy process, where a sample of tissue from the affected area is removed and studied microscopically by a pathologist, may be prone to error due to inexperience of a pathologist reading the slide or poor quality of biopsy sample.

The Lassen Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for women and families who have suffered and/or died as a result of a misdiagnosis, or delay in diagnosis, of cancer. We are a team of experienced medical malpractice lawyers who represent victims, and get them the money damages they deserve.

Misdiagnosis and Medical Malpractice

A misdiagnosis of breast cancer may be an example of medical malpractice. Victims of medical malpractice can take legal action against the negligent parties to obtain compensation for losses such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Treatment costs
• Disfigurement
• Loss of companionship/support

In case of death, the family and the administrator of the estate can file a wrongful death action or a survival action to recover money damages. Legal claims involving a misdiagnosis are subject to the statute of limitations. It means that it must be filed within a certain time window in order to be considered by the court. Waiting too long to file a medical malpractice suit may be time-barred. To ensure your legal rights are protected, it is always best to consult a breast cancer misdiagnosis attorney as soon as you think you have a case. The Lassen Law Firm, Pennsylvania medical malpractice attorneys, handles many misdiagnosis cases. If you have been the victim of misdiagnosis of breast cancer or some other cancer, contact the medical malpractice attorneys at the Lassen Law Firm today. Our attorneys have helped numerous clients recover compensation for injuries caused by medical negligence and we are glad to answer your legal questions in a free case evaluation.

Medical Malpractice Lawyer Pennsylvania

More than 250,000 women with breast cancer get the wrong diagnosis every year in the United States. Breast cancer, the most common form of cancer diagnosed in women, is also one of the most frequently misdiagnosed types of cancer.

With proper diagnosis and treatment, many women are able to survive the ravages of this devastating cancer. But when diagnosis is delayed or missed altogether, the patient's chances for survival decrease. Misdiagnosis cases also include situations where no cancer exists but the doctor gives a positive cancer diagnosis and starts treatment, including chemotherapy and surgery. Many women have undergone chemotherapy, radiation and even had their breasts removed only to find out that they never had cancer in the first place.

Unfortunately, patients place too much trust in their physicians, surgeons, and other medical care providers, and believe that medical professionals have the answers and will help them alleviate their painful injuries and symptoms. However, it is important to remember that medical professionals can make serious mistakes, which is why numerous breast cancer misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis cases are reported every year. Medical professionals are responsible for correctly diagnosing their patients' conditions. They must monitor and treat their patients' symptoms accordingly. Failure to do so may be considered medical malpractice.

In the event a doctor or other medical professional fails to properly diagnose breast cancer in their patient, and the patient is injured or develops further symptoms, the medical professional can be held liable. After a patient has been misdiagnosed, he/she is legally entitled to seek compensation from his/her doctor. A patient may seek monetary damages for his/her: medical expenses, injuries, lost wages, lost future income, physical and mental impairment, and pain and suffering. The Lassen Law Firm, Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyers, will fight to get you the maximum amount of money available from the malpractice insurance policy. We are a team of trial lawyers who will take your medical malpractice case to court in order to recover the highest monetary award to which you are entitled. Call the Lassen Law Firm now for your free consultation.

The Lassen Law Firm only deducts a 29% contingency fee, not the standard 45% like other firms. We serve ALL of Pennsylvania. We can sign you up over the phone and start working on your case today.

Stop Searching. Start Calling. 215-510-6755.

Authored by: Christian Lassen