Cancer Misdiagnosis Lawyers in Pittsburgh

Cancer misdiagnosis is a serious problem that can cause many devastating long-term effects, from delayed treatment to financial burdens. If left undiagnosed for too long, you may find it harder to recover. In some cases, misdiagnoses can be fatal. 

Some common forms of cancer that are misdiagnosed include: 

• Breast Cancer: In some cases, medical professionals may incorrectly diagnose breast cancer as other conditions, such as forms of benign or malignant tumors, fibrocystic breast disease, or fat necrosis, leading to delayed or inadequate treatment. Several factors can contribute to the misdiagnosis of breast cancer, including failure to perform timely and comprehensive diagnostic tests, misinterpretation of imaging results, inadequate biopsy sampling, and inaccurate reporting of pathology results. 
• Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and is often misdiagnosed due to its slow-growing nature. It can be challenging for healthcare providers to accurately diagnose prostate cancer because it usually does not present with obvious physical symptoms, making it difficult to detect. Additionally, some more typical signs and symptoms of prostate cancer—such as frequent urination and difficulty with urination—are often attributed to other conditions like bladder infections or bladder cancer.
• Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon and rectum. It is caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the digestive system and can often be detected early through routine screening tests such as colonoscopies. Colorectal cancer is another type of cancer that is often misdiagnosed. This can happen when a doctor fails to order tests to detect the disease's early signs, such as fecal occult blood tests or colonoscopies. A delayed diagnosis can result in more advanced disease stages, making it more challenging to treat.

• Melanoma: Melanoma is a form of cancer that begins in the skin cells known as melanocytes. It is an aggressive and potentially deadly form of skin cancer, which can spread if not caught early. Melanoma is often misdiagnosed due to various factors, such as the complexity and variation in the appearance of the skin lesions typical of melanoma. The variety of skin lesion types and variations makes it difficult for some doctors to identify and diagnose melanoma. Additionally, early stages of melanoma can be challenging to detect as the early changes may not be noticeable, and the doctor may miss or ignore a lesion.
• Cervical Cancer: Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix's cells, located at the lower end of the uterus. It is often caused by a virus known as human papillomavirus (HPV) and can be one of the most preventable types of cancer if it is detected early through screenings such as Pap smears. Cervical cancer is often misdiagnosed because many people don't display symptoms until later stages, making it harder for doctors to diagnose it quickly. Additionally, diagnostic tests such as Pap smears may not always be interpreted correctly.
• Thyroid Cancer: The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ at the front of your neck that produces hormones that control metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and other vital functions. Thyroid cancer is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms can be similar to other medical conditions, such as benign nodules, hyperthyroidism, or Graves' disease. For example, a growth or lump in the neck may indicate thyroid cancer, but it could also indicate an infection, inflammation, or another type of tumor. Additionally, some people may not experience symptoms until their illness has progressed significantly. This makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose accurately without tests and scans. As such, many patients are diagnosed with thyroid cancer too late for effective treatment. 

It is important to note that the list above is not exhaustive and that all forms of cancer can be potentially misdiagnosed. If you feel that your cancer was misdiagnosed, get in touch with our team immediately.