Delaying and/or Failing to Diagnose Lung Cancer
The delay or failure to diagnose lung cancer — or any cancer, for that matter — can create serious consequences for the patient.
The delay or failure to diagnose lung cancer — or any cancer, for that matter — can create serious consequences for the patient. If caught in the early stages, lung cancer is quite curable. However, left undiagnosed, advanced stages of lung cancer require more invasive treatment, reduce the quality of life, and even lead to death. Lung cancer is prevalent enough that it isn’t considered a lesser-known cancer , yet the delay and failure to diagnose lung cancer occurs far too often. If a lung cancer misdiagnosis has harmed you or a loved one , seek the assistance of The Law Offices of Cardaro & Peek to file a failure to diagnose lung cancer lawsuits against those responsible.
Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Patients often describe the following symptoms if they have lung cancer:
- Persistent cough
- Coughing up blood
- Hoarseness
- Wheezing and difficulty breathing
- Chest pain, exacerbated by deep breathing
Doctors should also note any risk factors that point to a higher likelihood of having or developing lung cancer, including:
- Current or ex-smoker
- Family history of lung cancer or other lung diseases
- Occupational exposure to toxins that could be inhaled, such as asbestos, mold, or car exhaust
Understandably, some patients don’t seek medical attention over concerns of lung cancer until symptoms present themselves. However, by the time symptoms do manifest in the patient, it can be a sign that cancer has significantly progressed. Routine check-ups with your physician are essential, so they can (in theory) catch the early signs of lung cancer and run the proper diagnostic tests to begin a treatment regimen.
Negligence That Delays or Causes Failure to Diagnose
Competent and skilled medical professionals should be able to recognize the need for further testing to determine if a patient has lung cancer. Yet, this doesn’t always happen. Mistakes and negligence that led to the misdiagnosis of lung cancer can occur during any part of a patient’s care.
A doctor could have failed to order follow up tests (or any tests at all) that identify lung cancer. Medical imaging is often used in the course of a lung cancer diagnosis. A radiologist or doctor can fail to recognize signs of lung cancer in x-rays or other scans, or the doctor may be working from an inaccurate report of the x-ray findings. Medical malpractice attorneys can help determine what, if anything, went wrong in the course of care that led to a delay or failure to diagnose lung cancer.
Contact The Law Offices of Cardaro & Peek, LLC Today
Do you believe that you or your loved one has suffered as a result of medical malpractice or medical neglect? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Cardaro & Peek, LLC today.
The lawyers at Cardaro & Peek, LLC have the experience and resources necessary to investigate and litigate all types of medical claims throughout Maryland and Washington D.C. Cardaro & Peek, LLC has medical personnel on staff and has access to nationally recognized, board-certified physicians and other experts, to assist in the investigation, analysis, and prosecution of all types of medical malpractice claims. If you or a loved one have experienced malpractice, give us a call at 410-752-6166. Please visit our website www.cardarolaw.com and follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn for more information.
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