Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

Breast cancer is often first suspected when a lump is felt or when a mammogram shows an abnormality. Most of the time, these suspicious areas do not turn out to be cancer, but follow-up testing is needed. In some cases, cancer can be ruled out with additional mammograms or other imaging techniques, but a biopsy may be necessary. A needle biopsy involves the removal of tissue or cell samples from the breast with a needle. A surgical biopsy involves the removal of tissue samples from the breast with a surgical incision.

Here are some common medical mistakes and errors that can cause a preventable delay in diagnosing breast cancer:

Improper reading or reporting of mammograms
Failure to recommend routine mammogram screening
Failure to order mammogram for women at increased risk
Failure to perform breast examination
Failure to adequately investigate suspicious findings
Failure to refer to a surgeon when indicated
Failure to properly follow up on mammogram findings
Failure to coordinate or communicate with other medical care providers

The types of harm which can be caused by delayed damage of breast cancer include:

Premature death
Inoperable cancer
Severe physical pain
Loss of reproductive and other organs
Scaring and disfigurement
Treatment which is more invasive, aggressive, and painful
Treatment which is significantly more expensive
Significantly increased recovery time
Lost wages
Long-term or permanent disability

If you have lost a loved one to medical malpractice you may still be entitled to compensation under wrongful death.

If you or a loved one has been injured or lost their life due to what you suspect may have been a failure to diagnose breast cancer, you may be entitled to compensation including:

Current and future medical bills
Current and future loss of wages
Long-term disability
Long-term care expenses
Rehabilitation
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of companionship
Burial expenses

Collectively, New Jersey medical malpractice lawyers Michael L. Weiss, Esq. and Robert E. Paarz, Esq. have presented over 30 medical malpractice cases relating to the failure to diagnose breast cancer to juries and have helped many families achieve substantial financial recoveries. They are committed to using their knowledge and experience to help any individual or family who has suffered a severe, permanent injury or death due to medical malpractice to obtain fair compensation. If you believe you or a loved one may have experienced such an injury, please contact Weiss & Paarz, P.C. today.