Kansas City Cancer Misdiagnosis Attorneys

When a doctor misdiagnoses or otherwise fails to diagnose cancer, the consequences can be devastating. The earlier cancer is detected, the more likely it is to be treated successfully. When a doctor fails to diagnose cancer, the patient may lose the opportunity to receive life-saving treatment. In some cases, the patient may die as a result of the doctor’s negligence.

At Cullan & Cullan, our Kansas City cancer misdiagnosis lawyers are committed to helping victims of medical malpractice. We understand the pain and suffering that comes with a cancer diagnosis, and we know how to hold negligent doctors accountable. If you or someone you love was the victim of a cancer misdiagnosis, we can help you fight for the justice and fair recovery you are owed.

Call (816) 253-8606 or contact us online to request a free, no-obligation consultation.

What is Cancer Misdiagnosis?

Cancer misdiagnosis refers to situations where a patient is incorrectly diagnosed with or without cancer, leading to either unnecessary treatments for a non-existent cancer or a delayed diagnosis, which can impact the effectiveness of treatment. Common types of cancer misdiagnosis include:

• False Positive: This occurs when a test indicates the presence of cancer when it's not actually there. False positives can arise due to errors in diagnostic tests like biopsies, imaging scans (like mammograms or CT scans), or misinterpretation of test results.
• False Negative: A false negative happens when cancer is present but is not detected by a diagnostic test. This misdiagnosis can lead to delayed treatment or a lack of treatment entirely, allowing the cancer to progress unchecked.
• Misclassification: Sometimes, a pathologist or medical professional might incorrectly classify a type or stage of cancer. This error can affect treatment plans and prognoses.
• Overdiagnosis: This occurs when cancer is diagnosed, but it might be a slow-growing type that might never cause harm during the patient's lifetime. Overdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatment and psychological distress for the patient.
• Underdiagnosis: This occurs when a healthcare provider fails to diagnose cancer when it is present. It might be due to missed symptoms, inadequate testing, or misinterpretation of test results.

Commonly misdiagnosed cancers include breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and melanoma. However, misdiagnosis can occur with any type of cancer due to the complexities of the disease and the variability in individual cases.

Misdiagnosis in cancer is a significant concern as it can impact a patient's health, quality of life, and prognosis. Accuracy in diagnosis is crucial for timely and appropriate treatment planning.

Common Causes of Cancer Misdiagnosis

Cancer misdiagnosis can stem from various factors, some of which include:

• Diagnostic Errors: Misinterpretation of test results, such as imaging scans (like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs), biopsy analysis, or laboratory tests, can lead to misdiagnosis. Human error in analyzing these results or miscommunication among healthcare professionals may contribute to diagnostic mistakes.
• Complexity and Variability of Cancer: Cancer can manifest differently in individuals, making it challenging to diagnose accurately. Some cancers have symptoms that overlap with other conditions or appear atypical, leading to confusion in diagnosis.
• Inadequate Testing: Sometimes, healthcare providers might not order appropriate tests or screenings, leading to missed diagnoses. Additionally, errors in conducting tests, handling samples, or using outdated or inaccurate testing methods can contribute to misdiagnosis.
• Limited Access to Specialized Expertise or Technology: In certain regions or healthcare settings, access to specialized expertise or advanced diagnostic technology may be limited. This can result in incomplete or inaccurate assessments of cancer, leading to misdiagnosis.
• Miscommunication or Incomplete Information: Inadequate communication among healthcare providers, incomplete patient information, or a lack of comprehensive medical history can contribute to misdiagnosis. If a patient fails to disclose symptoms or details or if healthcare providers overlook critical information, it can impact the accuracy of the diagnosis.
• Rare or Uncommon Types of Cancer: Some cancers are rare or have atypical presentations, making them more challenging to identify. This can lead to delays or errors in diagnosis as these types of cancers may not be initially considered.
• Overlapping Symptoms with Other Conditions: Certain cancer symptoms, especially in the early stages, can mimic those of other less severe conditions. This similarity can lead to a misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosing cancer until it progresses further.

Who is Liable for Cancer Misdiagnosis?

Determining liability for cancer misdiagnosis can be complex and typically depends on various factors, including the circumstances surrounding the misdiagnosis. Liability may fall on different parties involved in the diagnostic process:

• Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, specialists, radiologists, pathologists, and other healthcare providers involved in the diagnostic process can be held liable if their actions or negligence contributed to the misdiagnosis. For instance, if a physician misinterprets test results, fails to order necessary tests, or overlooks critical symptoms, they might be held accountable.
• Medical Facilities: Hospitals, clinics, or healthcare facilities where the diagnosis occurred may also bear liability. If there are issues related to inadequate staffing, faulty equipment, improper protocols, or lack of proper supervision, the institution could be held responsible.
• Laboratories or Testing Centers: If errors occur in the processing, analysis, or reporting of test results (such as biopsies, imaging studies, or lab tests), the laboratories or testing centers responsible for conducting these tests could be liable for the misdiagnosis.
• Manufacturers of Medical Devices or Equipment: In cases where misdiagnosis results from faulty or defective medical devices or equipment used in diagnosis (like imaging machines or testing tools), the manufacturer of these devices might face liability.

Proving liability in cases of cancer misdiagnosis often involves demonstrating that the responsible party acted negligently or deviated from the standard of care expected in similar circumstances. This might involve expert testimonies, medical records review, and demonstrating how the misdiagnosis directly led to harm or worsened the patient's condition.

Medical malpractice lawsuits or claims can be filed to seek compensation for damages resulting from cancer misdiagnosis. These damages might include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Each case is unique, and the legal process can vary based on the jurisdiction and specific details surrounding the misdiagnosis.

Our Kansas City cancer misdiagnosis attorneys at Cullan & Cullan are ready to fight for you inside and outside the courtroom and give you the best possible treatment for your medical condition. Do not hesitate to discuss your case with our team.

Contact us today at (816) 253-8606 for a free case review.