In Alabama, as in any other state, medical malpractice is more common than it should be. One reason is that many doctors fail to diagnose conditions properly. As a result, many patients end up with the wrong treatment – or no treatment at all. Some of the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions in Alabama include the following.
Cancer
It’s not uncommon for cancer to get misdiagnosed as a less serious condition, leading to medical malpractice lawsuits. For instance, breast cancer may be mistaken for a benign cyst, and skin cancer may be dismissed as a mole or freckle. Usually, by the time cancer is correctly diagnosed, it has likely progressed and become more difficult to treat. For instance, if skin cancer is not caught early, it may spread to other parts of the body and cause other serious health problems.
Heart disease
The symptoms of heart disease can be easily mistaken for something else, such as indigestion. As a result, many people don’t realize they have heart disease until it’s too late. This is especially true for women, who are more likely to experience atypical symptoms, such as fatigue or shortness of breath.
Stroke
Stroke symptoms can sometimes be chalked up to a “bad headache.” However, it’s important to realize that a stroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know experiences a sudden onset of a severe headache, along with other symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and vision problems, call 911 immediately.
Lyme disease
When most people think of Lyme disease, they picture a bull’s-eye rash. However, not all people with Lyme disease develop this rash. Other symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, and joint pain, are often mistaken for the flu or another viral infection. As a result, Lyme disease is often not diagnosed until it has progressed to a more serious stage.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has been misdiagnosed, it’s important to seek a second opinion. Early diagnosis is key to the successful treatment of many conditions. You should consider speaking up if you have concerns about your diagnosis or treatment plan.
