How bone cancer might be misdiagnosed
The signs and symptoms of bone cancer can vary widely between patients, can be fairly general and could be signs of many other different illnesses or conditions. They can sometimes include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Mobility issues e.g. you may develop a limp
- Fatigue
- High temperature
- Unexplained weight loss
This can sometimes make it difficult to diagnose bone cancer, but if you explain your symptoms to your GP and they don’t investigate or escalate the issue further, they might be considered negligent if they failed in their duty of care to you.
There are various tests that might help to diagnose bone cancer, with the most conclusive being a biopsy. However, if the medical professional responsible for your care doesn’t refer you for the appropriate tests, it’s possible that the diagnosis, and therefore treatment, will be delayed.
You might be diagnosed as having a totally different condition, and may even undergo weeks or months of treatment for an illness you don’t have, which in itself could potentially do harm to you. On top of this, your bone cancer won’t have been treated as it should in the meantime because you weren’t given the correct diagnosis at an earlier opportunity. This may mean that your cancer has progressed further and the chances of recovery are lower.
Bone cancer misdiagnosis claims
If you are not sure whether you might have a bone cancer misdiagnosis claim, you can contact our expert bone cancer misdiagnosis claims team by calling 0161 696 6165. We can offer you specialist advice that is tailored to your specific circumstances and help you to get the justice you deserve for what has happened to you.