Misdiagnosis can have a negative outcome on a patient’s health, prognosis and chances of survival. A patient’s entire future can hinge on the physician’s competent ability to efficiently and accurately diagnosis a medical problem. For example, many cancers are much more treatable when they found in the early rather than later stages. Mistaking the symptoms of cancer for a less serious concern can result in treatment delays that reduce the likelihood of survival.

Additionally, a wrong diagnosis can lead to the incorrect treatment. For example, a patient presenting with a headache may be prescribed medicine for migraines, when in fact the real problem was a brain tumor. The medication will not treat the real reason for the patient’s symptoms, and time is wasted on the wrong problem while the cancer continues to worsen. This delay in diagnosis can reduce the patient’s chances of overcoming the cancer.

On the other hand, misdiagnosis of a condition, like cancer, that does not actually exist can expose a patient to difficult medical procedures. For example, a patient misdiagnosed with cancer may participate in treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. This can cause a great deal of physical hardship and emotional distress for the patient and their family. A misdiagnosis lawyer Philadelphia trusts can help you take the first step to seek justice for malpractice.