Compensation for Cancer Misdiagnosed as DVT
Both cancer and deep vein thrombosis can be life-threatening. Treatment for these two conditions differs dramatically and an accurate diagnosis is vital to try to ensure the survival of the patient.
A tumour in the leg
A delay in the diagnosis of a malignant tumour in the leg can have very serious outcomes. The delay can allow the tumour to grow and spread, can reduce the likely success of surgery, increase the chances that an amputation will be necessary and increase the likelihood that the patient will die from their cancer.
A high suspicion of the possibility of a malignant tumour is necessary in order to prevent such outcomes.
In addition to a physical examination, the patient is likely to require further investigation in the form of an x-ray or MRI scan and a possible biopsy.
Misdiagnosis of symptoms
Unfortunately, a patient attending their GP with symptoms of worsening pain and possible swelling in the leg may not prompt an investigation into the possibility that they are developing cancer.
It is possible that the patient's symptoms may be misdiagnosed as a deep vein thrombosis rather than suspected cancer, leading the patient to an inappropriate course of treatment as well, of course, as the impact of a delay in diagnosing their cancer.
Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis
If you have deep vein thrombosis in the leg, it means that a blood clot has developed in a vein. It is likely that you are suffering some or all of the following symptoms:
- Pain, swelling and tenderness in the leg
- Redness and warmth in the affected area
Undiagnosed and untreated, deep vein thrombosis can be life-threatening if a blood clot travels to a blood vessel in the lungs.
However, deep vein thrombosis is generally treated with anticoagulant medication, a very different course of treatment to that required by a patient suffering from a malignant cancer in the leg.
Medical negligence
If a patient suffers a severe, long-term outcome due to a misdiagnosis of their cancer, it may be considered that their medical professional has provided a substandard level of care and it may be appropriate to consider making a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering the on-going impact of a significant delay in cancer diagnosis, contact us at Glynns today to discuss your situation with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
We will be happy to advise you as to the best course of action.
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