Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be devastating, but it also empowers you to begin appropriate treatment immediately. The wrong diagnosis delays treatment and may even expose you to unnecessary medications or therapies.
Unfortunately, some cancers are challenging to detect early. These cancers often present subtle symptoms or are located in areas that make them hard to identify until they have progressed. Knowing about them can help in early detection and treatment.
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer often presents no symptoms in its early stages, and when symptoms do appear, they can be vague and easily mistaken for other conditions. Effects such as jaundice, unexplained weight loss and abdominal pain may only become noticeable once the cancer has advanced. Early detection is crucial, as pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate.
Kidney cancer
The symptoms of this cancer, such as lower back pain, bloody urine and unexplained weight loss can be attributed to other, less serious conditions. Since the kidneys are deep within the body, small tumors may not be detected during routine physical exams. Tests like CT scans or MRIs are often necessary for early detection.
Non-small cell lung cancer
While this is the most common type of cancer affecting the lungs, non-small cell lung cancer often goes undiagnosed until it reaches an advanced stage. Early symptoms, such as persistent cough, shortness of breath and chest pain, can be mistaken for other conditions. By the time symptoms become pronounced, the cancer may have already spread.
Misdiagnosis of these cancers can lead to delayed treatment, worsening the prognosis and potentially reducing survival rates. Consider getting a legal opinion to see if you qualify for a medical malpractice claim based on a missed or misdiagnosis.