Connecticut Cancer Delayed Diagnosis: Get a Second Opinion

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal discusses the important role pathologists (doctors who study the origin and nature of disease) play in your diagnosis. As patients, we will never meet these doctors that investigate our tissue samples under the microscope, but pathology reports should be approached in the same manner you would approach any other diagnosis: with a healthy skepticism.

Pathologists complete an additional three to four years of training after medical school and specialize in diagnosing certain diseases, like cancer. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with cancer, it is well within your patient rights to ask for a pathologist specializing in your type of cancer to review your tissue biopsy.

Studies show there is a growing occurrence of mix-ups in the lab as well. A 2011 study showed that two men who were told they had prostate cancer and then had their prostates removed were ultimately found to have no cancer present at all.  Rather their biopsy tissue had been mishandled. In the same lab, 0.5% of samples were mislabeled.

Any delayed or misdiagnosis of a disease (like cancer) that leaves the patient permanently injured, could be medical malpractice. Any diagnosis that resulted in drastic treatment (like removal of an organ) might also be considered Connecticut medical malpractice. If you suspect this is the case for yourself or your loved one, call our office immediately. There is a statute of limitations on these types of cases, typically two years with some exceptions. Robert Messey, MD/JD and Gayle Sullivan, RN/JD will initiate an investigation into your claim.