A cancer misdiagnosis not only compromises a patient’s ultimate recovery and survivability but also potentially may cause complications related to the administration of incorrect and/or ineffective medications and other treatments. One such complication is cancer-related fatigue. According to The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ), December is Cancer-Related Fatigue Awareness Month, which presents an opportunity to become familiar with the risks of cancer misdiagnosis as it relates to the adverse effects of incorrect treatment.
There are a wide variety of cancers, all of which are life-threatening, although ultimately a patient’s prognosis depends on timely and correct diagnosis. If cancer is misdiagnosed, a patient’s health may be jeopardized secondary to the administration of incorrect and/or ineffective treatments. Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common side effects associated with cancer and cancer treatment, but is often made worse by medication errors associated with misdiagnosis.
Cancer-related fatigue can last for months and potentially years after cancer treatment ends. It is a constant feeling of tiredness, which may prevent the patient from accomplishing everyday activities; this fatigue may be mental, emotional, or physiologically based, but almost always manifests itself with symptoms including physical weakness, decreased energy and loss of cognitive ability. Though the treatment of any cancer would likely have adverse side effects, treating cancer in a contraindicated manner can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life.
Cancer misdiagnosis constitutes medical negligence. It not only can affect a patient’s prognosis (including likelihood of survival) but can also potentially cause additional injury or illness due to incorrect treatment.
If you have cancer that was misdiagnosed by a negligent medical professional, you have the legal right to pursue a medical malpractice action. The dedicated cancer misdiagnosis attorneys in New Jersey at Blume Forte are committed to pursuing meritorious claims on behalf of our clients. To discuss your potential claim with one of our lawyers, contact us at 973-845-4421 for a no-cost consultation.