What Is a Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the breast, spreading to surrounding tissue and other parts of the body. While it mostly occurs in women, it can also affect men.
Under NHS Breast Screening guidelines, GPs should refer women for investigation for possible breast cancer if there is a breast lump, lumpiness or discomfort that does not come and go with the menstrual cycle. Hospital doctors generally do a triple test that includes:
- Examining the breast and asking for the patient’s history
- Performing mammograms or ultrasound scans
- Taking a sample of cells from the breast through a needle or biopsy
If the all-clear is not given from all three hospital tests, there should usually be further investigation.
Breast cancer misdiagnosis refers to the incorrect interpretation or identification of breast cancer by medical professionals, leading to a false negative or false positive result. This form of medical negligence can have serious implications.
Medical negligence claims can arise because guidelines are not followed or tests are not correctly interpreted. You may also have a breast cancer negligence compensation claim if your GP does not refer you for investigation when they should.
Reasons for Misdiagnosing Breast Cancer
There can be many causes of a wrong diagnosis of breast cancer, which may give you the eligibility to make a breast cancer negligence compensation claim. You may be able to claim if you feel that:
- A medical professional failed to consider your symptoms, history or risk factors
- Imaging results were misinterpreted or overlooked
- A biopsy was not ordered despite symptoms or suspicious imaging
- An inadequate biopsy procedure was carried out, such as taking an insufficient sample or using the wrong type of biopsy
- Appointments for tests were delayed
- Delayed diagnosis meant that more complex surgery was needed or the breast cancer was allowed to spread
If unsatisfied with your care, you may want to bring a breast cancer negligence claim for compensation and attempt to prevent mistakes from happening again for future patients.
Implications of Breast Cancer Wrong Diagnosis
Breast cancer negligence can have serious implications for both patients and those close to them, such as:
- Long-term health consequences
Those facing a breast cancer misdiagnosis may experience serious long-term health impacts, the most obvious one being the progression and spread of the cancer to surrounding tissue. This can lead to more aggressive and complicated treatments, which may not be as successful as if treatment had been performed at an earlier stage.
- Emotional impact
Victims who have experienced breast cancer negligence may be impacted by emotional struggles, such as stress and anxiety, especially if the misdiagnosis has resulted in a severe negative health impact.
- Financial effect
More complex, later-stage treatments can often be costly, while the patient may face a loss of income if the breast cancer prevents them from working as normal.
What Happens When You Make a Breast Cancer Compensation Claim?
If you are considering pursuing compensation, one of our expert breast cancer negligence claims solicitors may be able to provide assistance. We are happy to discuss:
- Whether you have a valid breast cancer negligence compensation clai
- Information and documentation we need to pursue the case
- How we manage breast cancer claims
- The amount of breast cancer misdiagnosis compensation you could win
After the initial consultation, our breast cancer claims solicitors will gather evidence to support your case.
What Can a Breast Cancer Negligence Compensation Claim Cover?
You may be entitled to compensation for your injury and to help you cover the past and future costs resulting from the wrong diagnosis of breast cancer, such as:
- Emotional and physical damage, such as pain and suffering
- Medical expenses, such as surgery and treatment
- Care costs, such as medication and therapy
- Loss of wages
- Travel and accommodation costs
Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis Compensation Case Studies
Medical Solicitors has an outstanding track record in winning compensation for breast cancer negligence. Check out our past successes with breast cancer claims to explore what kind of cases we deal with:
Ready to Choose Breast Cancer Negligence Claims Solicitors?
Do contact our friendly team of specialist lawyers at Medical Solicitors. We conduct most of our claims under ‘No Win, No Fee’ agreements, also known as Conditional Fee Agreements. Our clients do not have to worry about how they can afford to pay for breast cancer claims.
You have nothing to lose by speaking to us. Even if we cannot assist with compensation claims for breast cancer, we always do our best to think ‘outside of the box’ and signpost our clients to other help and advice that might benefit them.
Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims FAQs
What is the most common misdiagnosis of breast cancer?
The most common misdiagnoses of breast cancer are conditions which present similar symptoms, such as fibrocystic breast changes, breast cysts and fibroadenomas.
Hormonal changes can also trigger changes in breast tissue, including swelling and lumps, which can be mistaken for cancer.
What support is available after a diagnosis of breast cancer?
Experiencing breast cancer can be incredibly challenging, but remember that you’re never alone. If you need practical, emotional or financial advice, visit our breast cancer support page or contact a dedicated charity, such as Breast Cancer Now, for more resources.
