What is Cancer Misdiagnosis?

A misdiagnosis of cancer can have devastating effects on a patient, leading to debilitating pain, lasting physical impairments, and even death due to a lack of appropriate treatment. Patients may also suffer severe side effects from receiving treatment for a condition they do not have, compounding their distress.

Common types of cancer misdiagnosis include:

• Breast Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Prostate Cancer

Misdiagnosis can occur due to various errors made by healthcare professionals involved in the diagnostic process, including physicians, radiologists, and pathologists. The following unacceptable errors can lead to a misdiagnosis of cancer: 

• Missing Obvious Symptoms: Overlooking palpable lumps or signs during a physical exam.
• Ignoring Patient History: Disregarding a patient's history of acute pain or concerning symptoms.
• Misinterpreting Test Results: Failing to accurately read mammograms, biopsies, or other diagnostic imaging.
• Neglecting to Investigate Symptoms: Ignoring symptoms such as unusual nipple discharge or persistent pain.
• Failure to Order Necessary Tests: Not conducting essential tests or follow-ups to confirm or rule out cancer.
• Mistaking Cancer for Benign Conditions: Failing to recommend further testing, such as a biopsy, when appropriate.
• Inadequate Communication: Poor communication among healthcare providers can lead to confusion over test results or missed referrals to specialists
• Failing to Refer to Specialists: Delaying referral toan oncologist or specialist when cancer is suspected.

The misdiagnosis of cancer has resulted in many patients needing to claim compensation due to failures in proper testing and diagnostic procedures. Notable incidents, such as the Cervical-Check scandal in Ireland, highlighted the severe consequences of misdiagnosed cervical cancer and have led to numerous legal claims against the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Misdiagnosing cancer should be a rare occurrence; however, unfortunately cases continue to arise. Patients who have suffered injury due to cancer misdiagnosis typically have two years from the date of diagnosis or from when they realised the misdiagnosis occurred, date of knowledge, to pursue a claim.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a cancer misdiagnosis, our compassionate team is here to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.