Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in the United States and also one of the most debilitating illnesses that a person can potentially develop. Not only can cancer prematurely end the lives of people, but it can also require debilitating treatments that...
Failure To Diagnose
How diagnostic mistakes can affect the treatment of cancer patients
Cancer starts as a single cell in most cases and then slowly develops into a pressing medical issue. The early symptoms someone has as cancer takes hold in their body might seem minor. The symptoms of cancer can seem like the symptoms of a chest cold or severe...
Why is lung cancer often misdiagnosed?
Lung cancer remains the second most prevalent cancer in the United States, and the deadliest. Unfortunately, thousands of people are suffering from the condition unawares – because their doctor has misdiagnosed them with something else. Why do so many doctors get it...
What do doctors mistake skin cancer for?
In many cases, skin cancer is very treatable when it’s found early. Doctors can potentially perform a minor operation after a biopsy and remove the infected area. It may not have spread very far and all of the tissue can potentially be removed in the wake of early...
An early cancer diagnosis changes survival odds dramatically
Cancer is far more treatable than it was in the past. Treatments are becoming more effective. Every day, there are new options being considered, and the odds of surviving the disease are higher than they’ve ever been. That being said, cancer is still one of the top...
Why do women have a greater risk of misdiagnosed heart attacks?
If a doctor misdiagnoses a heart attack, it can certainly be a fatal error. There have been cases where people have been sent home, perhaps being told that they are just suffering from anxiety, and they have then passed away because they were having a heart attack....
The biggest risk with a delayed cancer diagnosis
Cancer is probably the last word you wanted your doctor to say when you came in for diagnostic support. However, finding out as soon as possible that you have cancer is crucial if that is truly your diagnosis. Unfortunately, many common forms of cancer have symptoms...
Did your doctor’s anti-fat bias impact the care you received?
It isn't easy to be an overweight adult. People feel like they have the right to make comments on your appearance or to make fun of you when you go to the gym. Attractiveness bias can affect your career, meaning that you don't receive the same opportunities as some of...
What might a dermatologist mistake cancer for?
If you have skin cancer, or if you believe that you may, you're likely going to go see a dermatologist. Perhaps you already have one and you can set the meeting up directly, or you may end up going to your primary care physician first and then getting referred to a...
What is the most difficult kind of cancer to diagnose in men?
You may know that a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis could result in serious injuries or deaths, but did you know that there are some situations in which those delays are a result of a cancer being particularly difficult to identify? That doesn’t excuse doctors who...