As one of the most common forms of cancer, being second in both men and women behind prostate and breast cancer respectively, early diagnosis of the condition is key. Unfortunately, there are often no early signs or symptoms, but later indications can include:
- A persistent cough and breathlessness
- Aching or pain when coughing or breathing
- Coughing up blood
- Tiredness and weight loss
Once these symptoms appear it is important to see advice from your doctor as soon as possible so that appropriate investigations can be undertaken, such as a chest x-ray which would usually be the first port of call. Sadly, even doctors can get it wrong and mistake lung cancer for a chest infection, for example. This is because the symptoms for both conditions are similar. Even if a GP does request a chest x-ray lung cancer can still be missed for a number of reasons, including the fact that the appearance of lung cancer on an x-ray can be similar to the appearance of pneumonia.
Why is an early lung cancer diagnosis important?
In one case we dealt with here at Enable Law, the GP arranged for a chest x-ray and it was the radiologist reporting on the x-ray that got it wrong, attributing the tumour to normal lung markings in view of our client’s COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Whilst the tumour was small at that point, it was also located in an area where lung markings should not be prominent and should therefore have been considered suspicious. The GP was reassured that the x-ray was normal and as a result it was not for another 7 or 8 months before our client went back to the GP with additional symptoms that his lung cancer was diagnosed. This time, because the tumour had grown, it was easily visible on the x-ray. Sadly, this meant that the tumour had had an opportunity to grow.
A delay in diagnosis of lung cancer can have a devastating effect. As there are no early warnings signs, sometimes it is not diagnosed until it has started to spread which means the outlook with this type of cancer is not as good as with some other types. Early diagnosis makes a big difference and once you have reported symptoms it is vital doctors recognise the condition before it is too late.
How can we help?
Here at Enable Law we are specialists in medical negligence claims, and we have the experience to advise or assist you if you think your diagnosis of lung cancer has been delayed. We offer a free initial confidential discussion to discuss cancer compensation claims, and more.
To have a free, confidential discussion with a member of our team call us on 0800 044 8488 or if you prefer fill in our contact form and we will call you at a time convenient for you.
