Failure to properly diagnose brain tumors

Failure to correctly diagnose brain tumors can result in devastating consequences for the patient as well as his or her loved ones. Left undiagnosed and untreated, a brain tumor is a serious medical condition that can have a lasting impact on an individual’s quality of life and, in many cases, can result in death.

There are more than 130 different types of tumors that can affect the brain and central nervous system. Tumors are classified by cell origin and cell behavior from the least aggressive or low-grade, non-malignant tumors to the most aggressive or high-grade types of brain cancer.

Brain tumors are often misdiagnosed because their symptoms are common to other ailments and diseases. Some of the symptoms of a possible brain tumor include:

  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision/speech
  • Severe headaches
  • Seizures
  • Nausea
  • Numbness or tingling in the extremities
  • Behavioral changes

In order to accurately diagnose the presence of a brain tumor, diagnostic procedures such as scans, neurological tests, and/or a biopsy should be conducted. Over the past several decades, advancements in medical science and technology, especially in the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT scans, has made the diagnostic process much more accurate.

Misdiagnosis usually results from a failure on the part of the physician to order the appropriate diagnostic tests based on the patient’s symptoms, improperly conducted tests, misinterpretation of test results, or a failure to accurately document a patient’s symptoms.

However, because tumors can grow rapidly, prompt and accurate diagnosis is critical to ensure that the patient receives the necessary treatment. If the tumor is particularly aggressive and fast-growing, a patient may die before being properly diagnosed.

Is it medical malpractice?

Generally speaking, the earlier that treatment can begin for malignant brain tumors, the more effective it is. With many types of brain cancer, there is a small window of opportunity for effectively treating the tumor. Failure to diagnose tumors or to misdiagnose the type of tumor can result in life-threatening issues.

If you have a debilitating or terminal brain tumor, or you’ve lost a family member from a brain tumor due to a failure on the part of doctors to properly diagnose and treat the condition, a case for medical malpractice may be brought against the doctors(s), holding them liable for negligence.

Your case

Failing to properly diagnose brain tumors falls under the heading of medical malpractice known as a “failure to diagnose” or negligent diagnosis case

Finding an attorney who is experienced in successfully litigating such cases is essential to the success of your claim and to making sure that you get fair compensation for both economic damages as well as non-economic damages.

In the San Diego area, attorney Scott S. Harris has more than thirty years of experience in the area of medical malpractice law. Mr. Harris aggressively investigates your claim and will work tirelessly on your behalf to obtain the best possible compensation.

Contact our offices today to schedule a free consultation.