According to the National Coalition on Health Care, about 15% of cancer cases are misdiagnosed. Misdiagnosed cancer cases can be deadly, because they lead to wrong treatments. The good news is that most cases of cancer misdiagnosis can be prevented. In this article, we’ll discuss the dangers of cancer misdiagnosis and how to prevent it. In addition, we’ll discuss the benefits of seeking second opinions.
Getting a diagnosis is not always easy, which is why cancer misdiagnosis can cause so much emotional distress. Although pathologists examine tissues and blood under a microscope, they can mistake cancer for other conditions. In fact, a lung infection may look like lung cancer on an X-ray. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to delayed treatment and economic burden. Despite the potential benefits of timely detection and treatment, cancer misdiagnosis is never a good thing.
Cancer can affect millions of people each year. The number of cases is growing, and in 2040, 29.5 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer. With the advancements in medicine, cancer patients can survive for longer than ever before. Most cancers are treatable if caught in the early stages. If diagnosed late, however, the disease has spread to other parts of the body, making recovery expensive and difficult.
Cancer misdiagnosis is common, especially when breast biopsies fail to diagnose the disease or spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Unfortunately, cancer misdiagnosis is still fatal in these cases. Cancer biopsies can be inaccurate as a result of poor evaluation or wrong bowel preparation. In this instance, the doctor should retest the biopsy in order to determine the correct diagnosis. If the wrong diagnosis is made, it can be considered medical malpractice.
In addition to the emotional stress of misdiagnosis, an incorrect diagnosis can lead to unnecessary medical treatments. This includes chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Ultimately, this misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary medical bills and treatment. It is not uncommon for a cancer patient to suffer unnecessary pain and distress due to an incorrect diagnosis. This can also lead to litigation if the wrong diagnosis is made. So, be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer misdiagnosis and make sure you get a proper diagnosis.
Biopsies are crucial in determining the presence of cancerous cells. These will tell the doctor where the cancer originated from, the type of cancer, and the grade of cancer. Most blood tests result within a few days. However, specialist blood tests may take several weeks and require special preparation. While you wait for your results, try to stay busy by doing things that you enjoy. If possible, talk with family and friends. It will be easier to cope with the uncertainty after the initial diagnosis. You can also keep yourself informed about your health condition by reading articles from trusted organizations.
