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How Can Skin Cancer Be Missed?
Skin cancer may be overlooked when changes to the skin are not properly assessed or when a patient is not referred for further investigation. A doctor may incorrectly identify a suspicious mole, lesion, or other skin change as a less serious condition.
In some circumstances, test results may also be misinterpreted, or appropriate follow-up may not be arranged. Where concerns arise from the actions or decisions of a GP, the circumstances may potentially be relevant to GP Negligence Claims.
Whether this amounts to medical negligence will depend on the circumstances and the standard of care provided.
What Are the Possible Consequences?
A delayed diagnosis can mean that skin cancer is discovered at a later stage than it otherwise should have been. Depending on the type and progression of the cancer, this may result in more extensive treatment and a more difficult recovery.
You may require additional surgery, medication or other cancer treatment. A delay may also affect your ability to work and have a wider impact on your everyday life.
Where cancer is not identified or investigated within an appropriate timeframe, the circumstances may also be considered as part of Delayed Diagnosis Claims, depending on the evidence available.
Could a Misdiagnosis Support a Claim?
A claim may be possible where medical professionals failed to provide an appropriate level of care, and this caused avoidable harm. This could involve failing to examine a suspicious skin lesion properly, not arranging appropriate tests, or failing to act on concerning findings.
A diagnosis that later turns out to be incorrect does not automatically mean negligence occurred. Medical evidence will be needed to establish what should reasonably have happened and whether the delay caused additional injury.
Where a failure to diagnose cancer results in a significant delay in appropriate treatment, the circumstances may potentially fall within Delayed Cancer Diagnosis Claims.
Examining the Medical Evidence
A potential claim will usually involve a detailed review of your medical records. This may include GP records, referrals, photographs, biopsy results, pathology reports and details of any subsequent treatment.
Independent medical experts may be asked to consider whether the diagnosis and treatment were appropriate and what difference an earlier diagnosis could have made to your condition.
If the relevant care was provided in a hospital, the investigation may also consider whether there were issues that could be relevant to Hospital Negligence Claims.
Other Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims
Skin cancer is one of several cancers where a missed or delayed diagnosis may potentially cause additional harm. Similar circumstances can arise in Lung Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims, particularly where concerning symptoms or abnormal findings are not appropriately investigated.
A delayed diagnosis can also occur with other forms of cancer, including circumstances relevant to Bowel Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims.
What Can Compensation Cover?
If negligence is established, compensation may take account of the consequences you have experienced. Depending on your circumstances, this could include additional medical treatment, travel expenses, loss of earnings and other financial losses.
The impact of the condition on your daily life, recovery and future needs may also be considered when assessing the claim.
In the most serious circumstances, where negligent treatment or a delayed diagnosis contributes to a death, the circumstances may potentially be considered under Fatal Medical Negligence Claims, subject to appropriate medical evidence.
Get Advice About Your Skin Cancer Claim
If you believe a failure to diagnose or correctly treat skin cancer has caused you avoidable harm, Step Legal Solicitors can investigate your circumstances and explain your legal options.
If you are happy to instruct us, your claim will be handled on a No Win No Fee basis. What this means is no upfront costs and no financial risks.
Call 0800 195 6412, contact us online, or come into any of our offices during our working hours to discuss your Skin Cancer Misdiagnosis Claim.
