You go to the doctor for a routine checkup and are told that everything looks good. A few months later, you start experiencing some unusual symptoms. After doing some research, you realize that those symptoms could be indicative of lung cancer. If you’re one of the many Georgia residents who have received a misdiagnosis, here are some facts that may help you.
Why is lung cancer often misdiagnosed?
Lung cancer is notoriously difficult to detect in its early stages because it typically doesn’t cause any symptoms. By the time symptoms do start to appear, it has usually already progressed and is much more difficult to treat.
Symptoms of lung cancer can be easily mistaken for other, less serious conditions like a cold, bronchitis or asthma. This is why it’s so important to see a doctor if you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms that don’t go away after a couple of weeks.
What should you do if you think you’ve been misdiagnosed?
It could be a good idea to get a second opinion from another doctor. It’s also important to keep all of your medical records and documentation as this will not only be crucial to your next doctor, but it will come in handy if you decide to take legal action. If you confirm that you got misdiagnosed, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Besides that, you can report the doctor to their medical board and file a complaint with the Georgia Composite Medical Board.
If you or someone you love got diagnosed with lung cancer, it’s important to start treatment as soon as possible. Early detection is key when it comes to surviving this disease.