Many women in Arizona undergo breast cancer biopsies every year. Some receive an incorrect diagnosis of cancer, while others suffer while the disease remains untreated. This particular problem is one of almost epic scope, as a recent study pointed out.
According to research published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, as many as 75 percent of women receiving biopsies are either incorrectly diagnosed as having cancer or are victims of a diagnostic failure in which breast cancer is missed. This appears to indicate that a majority of women who have breast cancer biopsies are incorrectly treated for cancer that may or may not be present.
In the study, 100 pathologists reviewed biopsy slides, which were then double-checked by experts. Expert medical professionals found significant discrepancies in the diagnostic results. This is highly problematic, as women who may have abnormal but noninvasive cells in their ducts may not require things like chemotherapy or a mastectomy. Others may have invasive cancers that worsen without treatment, potentially leading to extensive surgery or death. The study’s authors recommended that all women get a second opinion of any biopsy result received.
Diagnostic errors are a type of medical malpractice that may result in serious injury, disfigurement or even death. People who have suffered serious injuries due to this type of negligence may want to consult with a medical malpractice attorney. An attorney may be able to help gather the needed medical documentation in order to support the claim. He or she may then draft and file the civil complaint and advocate on behalf of his or her client. Through a lawsuit, a plaintiff may be able to recover damages designed to compensate him or her for the losses sustained.