Many Mechanicsburg area residents visit the dermatologist each year to have a mole check and make sure they don’t have any questionable looking moles or spots on the skin. Melanoma is a common cancer that affects over 100,000 Americans each year. But if this cancer is caught early the survival rate is high. But occasionally melanoma is not detected by a dermatologist and this can result in a serious condition.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. If the melanoma is caught and treated early, it can nearly always be cured. But if there is a misdiagnosis or late diagnosis of melanoma, it can be fatal.
Misdiagnosis of melanoma
Diagnosing melanoma late or misdiagnosing it can be detrimental to a patient. While the melanoma may have been easily curable in the early stages, it may now require much more extensive treatment. It also may not be able to be cured and a patient may die. Melanoma can be difficult to diagnose and if a medical provider does not recommend the proper diagnostic tests or refer the patient to a specialist a misdiagnosis can occur.
Medical malpractice attorney
If a patient believes their melanoma was misdiagnosed, they may want to speak with a legal professional who is skilled in medical malpractice. An attorney can help their client understand what happened to cause this unexpected situation. They can review medical records and consult with medical experts to get the answers their client deserves. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages.