Cancer

¹ View Barry Lang's video on Breast Cancer

Missed Diagnosis of Cancer

Everyone hears of the early warning signs of cancer; these are published by the AMA, American Cancer Society, and other health organizations for one very important reason: early detection of cancer increases the chances for a cure.

Unfortunately, some doctors ignore a patient's symptoms; they dismiss a lump in the breast as a simple cyst, attribute rectal bleeding to hemorrhoids, or think a skin lesion is benign when they actually may all be the warning signs of a curable cancer.

Missed Diagnosis of Melanoma

More people die from malignant melanoma than from all other types of skin cancer, yet cure from melanoma is easily achieved with early diagnosis and proper treatment. Many doctors fail to detect melanoma because of the lack of a proper physical examination. Should they see the lesion, they may ignore the early warning signs of this cancer, such as its color and texture. Even if you show the doctor the lesion and express your concern, he may not consider biopsy or consultation with a dermatologist until it is too late. Melanoma, once diagnosed, must be removed properly. If any is left behind, recurrence is likely and your chance for cure may be lost.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer kills one in nine women. Your chance for a cure depends on early diagnosis and treatment. Yearly mammograms must be read correctly by radiologists who are specially trained. You and your doctor must be notified of the findings. Breast lumps must be properly evaluated and biopsy should be performed for all suspicious masses. If your breast cancer was not detected early enough to give you the best chance for a cure, you may have been the victim of medical negligence.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancers are usually slow growing; early detection gives the best chance of a cure. Routine studies should be performed, such as sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, after age 50, or at any age if indicated for diagnosis of rectal bleeding or change in bowel habits.

Sadly, some physicians attribute a patient's symptoms to hemorrhoids or other conditions without ruling out curable cancers at an early stage.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is usually slow growing and may be cured with early detection. Routine rectal examinations and yearly PSA blood tests after age 50 are essential if early diagnosis is to be made.