Colon cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer, and second leading cause of cancer death in the US (Center for Disease Control, 2011).  Risk of colon cancer increases with increasing age, and family history.  Diagnosis of colon cancer is usually by colonoscopy, and screening is recommended for adults 50 years of age and older.  In 2011, estimated new cases of colon/rectal cancer were projected to be 141,000 in the U.S., with 49,380 deaths (National Cancer Institute).  Sure, studies like this are a little dry and hard to get your mind around.  But if you think about those statistics for just a second, it is really incredible.  What is more amazing it that these are the statistics.

Misdiagnosis of colon cancer is the 5th most commonly misdiagnosed disease following myocardial infarction, breast cancer, appendicitis, and lung cancer.  That does not mean that every colon cancer case, where symptoms and problems consistent with colon cancer are missed by a doctor, is a medical malpractice lawsuit in the making.  But it does underscore that too many colon cancer deaths every year are the result of mistakes that doctors make in interpreting a patient’s symptoms of colon cancer.   If you believe you may have a claim because a doctor failed to properly diagnose colon cancer, call 800-553-8082, or get a free on-line consultation. 

Diagnosis/Misdiagnosis of Colon Cancer

Misdiagnosis (under-diagnosis/over-diagnosis) of colorectal cancer is related with physician, patient, and diagnostic tests (laboratory and histopathology).  Early stages of colorectal cancer may not present with obvious symptoms and, as a result, many cases are tragically misdiagnosed.  Often, the symptoms are reasonably missed.  In these cases, the symptoms exhibited only fit the colon cancer symptoms mosaic with the benefit of hindsight.  But there are also many instances where colon cancer is missed because of medical malpractice. 

Colon cancer is a progressive disease, making early detection crucial.  Unfortunately, when symptoms are put together slowly and a colonoscopy or other diagnostic test is delayed, it is sometimes too late to be cured. 

Symptoms and Testing for Colon Cancer

Symptoms, when they occur, may include bleeding from the rectum, changes in stool consistency (e.g. intermittent diarrhoea or constipation), weight loss, and pain in the abdomen or rectum.  Symptoms of colon cancer are often similar to other intestinal disorders, and may be misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome or diverticulitis.

Though colonoscopies are the "gold standard" for colon cancer screening, they have an estimated "miss rate" of 22-27%.  Incomplete bowel clean out and inspection times can affect detection rates.  Further, some lesions are difficult to visualize with colonoscopy and can go undetected.  

Due to the embarrassing symptoms, some women and men will not seek medical advice, or will try to self-diagnose.  In other cases, doctors may not ask the patient about their symptoms.  Physicians may also not order correct laboratory or histopathology tests to determine the presence of colon cancer, or may not order colonoscopy.  Errors may also occur with equipment, mislabelling of slides, or misinterpretation of laboratory results or histopathology slides.  In one study, it was reported that 1.4% of histopathological slides are not properly read.  Furthermore, appropriate follow up on abnormal laboratory results are not re-evaluated.

It is imperative that patients with concerns seek medical advice and openly discuss symptoms they may have.  Second opinions should be sought if there is uncertainty in the diagnosis as early detection provides the best chances for a positive outcome.

Finding a Lawyer to Investigate Your Potential Claim for a Lawsuit or Settlement

If you live in the Baltimore Washington area and believe you have been a victim of medical negligence in Maryland, call 800-553-8082 or get a free online medical malpractice consultation.