Claims for Cancer Misdiagnosis
As the result of a diagnosis that later turns out to be incorrect, patients may endure unnecessary psychological stress or undergo avoidable treatments, potentially physical treatment, worsening their overall health. This is particularly true if the error has led to invasive treatment being carried out unnecessarily.
Specialist knowledge and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by cancer survivors and their families are required to make a successful claim. If you believe that you, or a loved one, may have received inadequate care or a diagnosis of cancer that could have been made earlier, we can support you in making claims for a cancer misdiagnosis.
If you would like to speak to a cancer misdiagnosis lawyer, contact us for a free, no-obligation chat.
Delayed diagnosis of cancer
A delayed cancer diagnosis means it could have been caught earlier but has been allowed to develop. This is usually because it was not picked up in a test. It could also happen if a GP did not make a referral to a specialist, or for testing, despite the patient reporting symptoms. Cancer negligence compensation solicitors will be able to identify whether a duty of care has been breached.
The chances of a successful recovery from cancer increase significantly the earlier it is caught. A diagnosis of cancer is devastating for both the patient and their family but the news can be even more upsetting if you suspect that the diagnosis should have been made earlier. This is particularly difficult when a patient or loved one knows that this could have made a significant difference to the chances of the patient getting better.
Delays in diagnosis may arise simply because it takes time to carry out the necessary tests and exclude other possible diagnoses, in which case no one will be to blame.
However, in cases where things do go wrong, a delayed cancer diagnosis can result from:
- Particular symptoms being ignored or dismissed
- Necessary tests not being conducted in good time
- Test results not being interpreted or acted on appropriately
The impact of any delay will vary significantly from patient to patient depending on the type of cancer and how it develops. The cancer may have developed during the delay and spread to other parts of the body, meaning the treatment required is now more extensive. It may even have progressed to a point where it can no longer be treated.
Our cancer negligence solicitors can assist you in claiming compensation to help you and your loved ones move forward.
Cancer misdiagnosis expertise across different cancer types
Unfortunately, cancer can affect every part of the body, from our skin, glands and organs, all the way down to our bones. We’ve represented clients in a wide variety of cancer misdiagnosis claims, while also helping to provide them with the support they need when going through cancer treatment and the aftermath.
Here are some examples of cancer misdiagnosis claims:
- Skin cancer misdiagnosis claims: There are two types of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma both of which are typically caused by exposure to ultraviolet light. Learn how to spot signs of skin cancer, and the ways it can be misdiagnosed.
- Thyroid cancer misdiagnosis claims: The thyroid gland makes and releases hormones that control your metabolism and blood calcium. It’s a rare cancer that is more common in women than men. Read about the symptoms of thyroid cancer, what to expect from your doctor, and how it can be misdiagnosed.
- Liver cancer misdiagnosis claims: Liver cancer is relatively rare in the UK although cases are rising. Find out about the often-vague symptoms of liver cancer, the diagnostic tests you may need to have and how it can be misdiagnosed.
- Bowel and colon cancer misdiagnosis claims: Bowel cancer – or colorectal cancer – includes colon cancer (cancer of the large bowel) and rectal cancer (cancer of the rectum). It can be successfully treated in 90% of cases, which makes it all the more important to diagnose it properly. Read on for symptoms, diagnosis and misdiagnosis.
- Pancreatic cancer misdiagnosis claims: Pancreatic cancer – and its symptoms – can occur in different ways in the two different parts of the pancreas. Learn more about the differences between the exocrine pancreas or the endocrine pancreas, and how pancreatic cancer can be misdiagnosed.
- Lung cancer misdiagnosis claims: Lung cancer is extremely common, with smoking often being a major contributing factor. Find out the facts, symptoms and diagnosis of lung cancer, as well as facts relating to lung cancer misdiagnosis.
Female cancer misdiagnosis & negligence
In respect of female cancer misdiagnosis, there are several types of cancers that are more commonly misdiagnosed than others. We’ve outlined below a list of cancers that tend to be specific to females:
- Ovarian cancer misdiagnosis: Cancer in the ovaries is typically diagnosed at the advanced stage and often in older women over 45. One in ten ovarian cancers are caused by an inherited faulty gene. Find out more here.
- Breast cancer misdiagnosis: Breast cancer affects one in eight women, particularly those who have a family history of some types of cancer. Read on for the different types of breast cancer, the symptoms and how it is diagnosed.
- Womb cancer misdiagnosis: Womb cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women and can come in many forms. Learn about who is most at risk and the symptoms to look out for.
- Cervical cancer misdiagnosis: The cervix is the neck of the womb, and cervical cancer can affect women of any age (although cervical screenings canwill reduce the risk). Discover the symptoms of cervical cancer and how it might be misdiagnosed.
- Vaginal cancer misdiagnosis: Vaginal cancer is rare, affecting fewer than 300 women in the UK each year. Find more about the symptoms of vaginal cancer and the different types, including squamous cell, melanoma and small cell carcinoma.
- Vulval cancer misdiagnosis: Vulval cancer can occur in any part of the vulva, which consists of the labia majora and the labia minora. It’s a rare cancer, and its causes are unknown. Read on to learn about its risk factors.
Male cancer misdiagnosis & negligence
When it comes to male cancer misdiagnosis claims, there are some types of cancers that are more commonly misdiagnosed than others. The following is a list of cancers that tend to be specific to males:
- Testicular cancer misdiagnosis: Testicular cancer is relatively rare and can thankfully be cured at all stages with the right treatment. Find out who is most at risk of testicular cancer, as well as its symptoms and how it could be misdiagnosed.
- Penile cancer misdiagnosis: Cancer of the penis can be rare and typically occurs in men over the age of 60. Learn about the different types of penile cancer, its symptoms and the common ways it can be misdiagnosed.
- Prostate cancer misdiagnosis: The prostate is a small gland that surrounds part of the urethra and plays an important role in producing semen. Read on for facts about prostate cancer, including its symptoms, diagnosis and misdiagnosis.
- Male breast cancer misdiagnosis: Male breast cancer is commonly misdiagnosed because incidences are rare, and doctors may not immediately link symptoms in men to breast cancer. Click through for a short outline of the topic.
How can a cancer misdiagnosis lawyer help?
Whether you need support from cancer negligence or brain cancer misdiagnosis claim solicitors, know that our team of specialists are here to support you.
If you or a member of your family have been unfortunate enough to have suffered an injury as a result of substandard medical treatment, our specialist medical negligence solicitors can assist you in bringing a compensation claim against the people and/or organisations responsible.
Why choose Bolt Burdon Kemp for cancer misdiagnosis or negligence claims?
- Experience: We have over 35 years of experience handling a broad range of claims covering everything from medical negligence to accidents at work.
- ‘No win no fee’: Our funding structures offer flexibility, including a Conditional Fee Agreement which ensures you won’t have to pay unless you win your case.
- Compassionate: Our highly experienced team will support you beyond your case so that you and your loved ones get the help you need when raising cancer misdiagnosis claims.
- Partners: Our partnerships with organisations like the Brain Injury Group (BIG) and Headway mean we can connect you with the right support.
- Awards: Legal bodies such as Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 recognise us as one of the leading personal injury firms.
- Accredited: Our membership with the Law Society’s Personal Injury Accreditation Scheme means we’re assessed and accredited each year in line with Lexcel practice management standards.
- Testimonials: You can see hundreds of testimonials from past clients who have shared their experiences of working with us.
Contact a cancer misdiagnosis or negligence lawyer today
If you feel ready to enquire about a cancer misdiagnosis claim for compensation, contact one of our legal experts today.
Most cases are taken under Conditional Fee Agreements, known as ‘no win no fee’ agreements, which don’t require upfront fees.
Contact us online or by calling today.
