Receiving bad news from the doctor is devastating, and it can change your life in an instant. It is especially devastating to learn that your initial diagnosis from your doctor was incorrect and that your illness has continued to progress as a result of a delay in treatment. This is particularly true for those who are suffering after a misdiagnosis of cancer. If you are experiencing this yourself, you are likely in a position where you are wondering what’s next and what you can do to fight for your health.
A plan of action is important after receiving a cancer diagnosis. You will need to begin treatment as soon as possible, and the speed with which you get certain medications could have a direct impact on their effectiveness. Additionally, you may want to determine whether your misdiagnosis was a direct result of a medical mistake or any type of malpractice.
How does a misdiagnosis happen?
A misdiagnosis of cancer can happen for many reasons. Some types of cancer are very difficult to see and properly diagnose. Other types may not be noticeable until they have progressed past a certain point. Doctors can misread test results, and they can miss signs in images. If you experienced a misdiagnosis, the following steps may be useful as you move forward:
- Get a second opinion as soon as possible, especially if there is still uncertainty about your diagnosis.
- Speak with all of your doctors, asking for their insight and information about the specific type of disease you have.
- Ask for copies of all of your radiology images, pathology reports and other medical documents related to your current diagnosis.
- Request for all of the doctors overseeing your care to speak and work together so they can identify the most effective treatment strategy.
- Be an advocate for yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about your options.
If you suspect that a misdiagnosis is the result of the negligence or recklessness of an Oregon medical care provider, you may have grounds to seek compensation through a medical malpractice claim. While this cannot reverse the trauma and damage you experienced as a result of delayed cancer treatment, you may be able to recover the financial resources you require to seek appropriate care and cover your non-economic damages.