Medical Malpractice & Colon Cancer

While colon cancer is generally associated with individuals over the age of 50, many younger people do discover they have this illness as well. Early detection of any kind of cancer is critical to save lives, and colon cancer is no exception. Unfortunately, many people do not have access to the early detection they need to receive adequate treatment.

Each year, tens of thousands of people die of colon cancer. Many others live with long-term and permanent disabilities. Often, medical malpractice is to blame. Think it could apply to your case? Keep reading.

Why Is Colon Cancer Commonly Misdiagnosed?

One of the biggest reasons colon cancer is so misdiagnosed is that younger people are frequently not screened for the condition. As a result, the discovery of such cancer may not occur until the disease has advanced to the third and fourth stages.

Additionally, the symptoms of colon cancer are very similar to other issues. The symptoms, which include rectal bleeding, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and nausea, are often associated with the stomach flu or irritable bowel syndrome. A doctor may discount some symptoms or opt for the “easiest” or most common diagnosis.

Often, doctors fail to recommend a patient for colon cancer screening, especially if they fail to take a family history of colon cancer into account. Doctors may also make mistakes in the way they interpret results or follow up after results.

What Happens When Colon Cancer Is Misdiagnosed?

A delayed diagnosis of colon cancer has severe repercussions and could include death. Other effects include severe physical pain, loss of bowel function, removal of the colon, and even long-term disability. Delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis have permanent side effects, and you could face physical pain and other side effects for the rest of your life.

Delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis also have financial implications. For example, you may face increased medical bills when you are forced to undergo additional treatment you may not have had to undergo if the condition was discovered in its initial stages.

You may not be able to work while you recover from cancer or while you receive treatment, which can create a financial burden for you. Your family could even lose a significant portion of income.

What Is a Doctor’s Responsibility?

In a case like yours, a doctor has the responsibility to recommend that a patient test for colon cancer if he or she displays the symptoms of the condition. Not every case of delayed diagnosis is malpractice, but a doctor who is negligent must be held responsible for their lack of care.

Essentially, many doctors do not consider the possibility that colon cancer is a possible diagnosis for many young patients. As a result, doctors may fail to ask important questions that could lead to an accurate diagnosis.

Doctors have a duty of care when they accept you as a patient. They cannot be negligent in their care, and they may breach their duty of care in the process of diagnosing and treating you.

What Can You Do After Your Misdiagnosis?

If you were misdiagnosed or experienced a delayed diagnosis, you may have a personal injury case for medical malpractice. You may be able to sue a medical professional for malpractice, leading to lost wages, medical bills, disability, pain and suffering.

If you are a victim of medical malpractice, you may have legal recourse. To build a strong case, you should hire an experienced personal injury or medical malpractice attorney. Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC handles medical malpractice cases just like yours. Call our office today to discuss your case and gather evidence to prepare for court.