Cancer misdiagnosis can have devastating consequences, delaying effective treatment, reducing survival rates, and causing unnecessary emotional and physical stress.
For those who have been affected by cancer misdiagnosis, understanding the types of cancers that are most commonly misdiagnosed—and the statistics behind these errors—can be essential for navigating their legal and medical options.
Poulos & Coates, the only law firm in New Mexico dedicated exclusively to medical malpractice, recognizes the profound impact cancer misdiagnosis has on individuals and families.
We have helped countless clients navigate the complex path to justice after experiencing medical negligence.
Below, we delve into cancer misdiagnosis statistics, explore common types of misdiagnosed cancers, and discuss the legal recourse available to victims.
Cancer Misdiagnosis Statistics
Cancer misdiagnosis is a more common issue than many realize. One study found that missed cancer diagnoses represented 46% of cases of primary care diagnostic errors, most commonly from lung, colorectal, prostate, or breast cancer.
The majority involved errors in clinical judgment, such as a failure or delay in ordering a diagnostic test or failure or delay in obtaining a consult or referral.
In another study, cancer misdiagnosis statistics showed that diagnostic errors were the most common, most catastrophic, and most costly of medical mistakes.
Of the diagnostic errors leading to death or serious, permanent disability, 37.8% were associated with misdiagnosed cancers. Cancer misdiagnosis can happen in several ways, including:
- False positive cancer diagnosis. When doctors mistakenly diagnose a person with cancer despite them not having it, they may undergo unnecessary treatments, including surgeries and chemotherapy, which carry significant risks and side effects.
- False negative cancer diagnosis. When doctors miss a real cancer diagnosis, they delay treatment and potentially allow the cancer to progress to more advanced stages.
The implications of a cancer misdiagnosis can be life-changing for patients and their families.
What Is the Most Misdiagnosed Cancer?
1. Breast Cancer
Breast cancer misdiagnosis is one of the most prevalent forms, often because symptoms can resemble benign breast conditions like cysts or fibrocystic changes.
The cancer misdiagnosis rate for breast cancer has been reported as high as 20% in some studies. Misinterpreted mammograms and inadequate follow-up care can lead to a delayed diagnosis, significantly impacting the patient’s prognosis.
2. Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is another commonly misdiagnosed cancer, partly due to symptoms resembling respiratory conditions such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
Specifically, misdiagnosis on chest radiographs leads to approximately 90% of missed lung cancer cases, leading to patients often receiving incorrect treatments for months before obtaining a correct diagnosis.
3. Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer misdiagnosis typically occurs because symptoms like abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits can be attributed to less severe gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Unfortunately, delayed diagnosis of colorectal cancer can reduce the chances of successful treatment, as this cancer is particularly aggressive in its later stages.
4. Lymphoma
Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, can mimic common infections or conditions like mononucleosis or the flu, leading to a misdiagnosis.
The non-specific symptoms, such as fatigue and swollen lymph nodes, contribute to a high cancer misdiagnosis rate in lymphoma patients.
5. Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer has a high rate of misdiagnosis, often due to vague early symptoms like abdominal discomfort or back pain.
One study showed that of all patients with a final diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, 13% were preoperatively misdiagnosed. Because detection of this type of cancer occurs in late stages, its survival rate remains low.
Accurate early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is crucial, but unfortunately, healthcare providers miss many cases initially.
Impact of Misdiagnosis on Cancer Patients
The consequences of a cancer misdiagnosis can be life-changing. Patients who experience delays in their diagnosis may face advanced cancer stages, more intensive treatments, and, in some cases, poorer overall outcomes.
For those who receive a false positive cancer diagnosis, the emotional toll can be equally devastating, as they endure unnecessary treatments and their associated side effects, such as fatigue, hair loss, and even organ damage.
It is often possible to pursue legal action in cases where a patient suffers due to medical negligence, such as a misdiagnosed cancer lawsuit. Compensation can help cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages associated with the misdiagnosis.
Pursuing Justice: The Average Payout for Cancer Misdiagnosis
Victims of cancer misdiagnosis frequently wonder about the average payout for cancer misdiagnosis cases.
Compensation varies based on factors such as the severity of the harm caused by the misdiagnosis, the level of medical negligence involved, and the resulting impact on the patient’s life.
Sometimes, settlements or verdicts can amount to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
Poulos & Coates has an outstanding track record of obtaining significant recoveries for our clients, totaling over half a billion dollars through verdicts and settlements.
We understand cancer misdiagnosis statistics because medical malpractice is our sole focus.
How Poulos & Coates Can Help with Cancer Misdiagnosis Cases
Navigating a misdiagnosed cancer lawsuit can be challenging, especially when you are dealing with the physical and emotional toll of a misdiagnosis.
At Poulos & Coates, we are a dedicated team of trial attorneys with extensive medical malpractice experience, including in cancer misdiagnosis cases. We bring unmatched experience and commitment to every client.
Our firm has a doctor and two nurses on staff, ensuring we understand your case’s legal and medical aspects. We fight for justice and work to secure the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being.
Conclusion: If You’re Facing a Cancer Misdiagnosis, Contact Poulos & Coates
Cancer misdiagnosis can have severe consequences, impacting treatment options, quality of life, and overall prognosis.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to cancer misdiagnosis, you don’t have to face it alone. Poulos & Coates, your trusted New Mexico misdiagnosis lawyer, is here to help.
With over 100 years of combined experience and a compassionate team of medical malpractice professionals, we stand ready to support you through every step of the legal process.
Reach out to Poulos & Coates today to schedule a consultation. Let us be the champions you need in your corner to ensure the best possible representation.
Greig Coates, M.D., J.D.
Over the last thirty years, Dr. Coates has successfully represented plaintiffs in every conceivable type of medical malpractice lawsuit–from single-physician cases to complex litigation involving over a dozen doctors and several hospitals. Dr. Coates has taken several thousand physician depositions in his career involving every known physician specialty and sub-specialty, and almost as many depositions involving hospital personnel such as nurses, techs, and administrators. He has tried several dozen cases to successful verdicts.
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