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Why do some doctors overlook basal cell carcinoma?

On Behalf of | Aug 16, 2022 | Medical Malpractice

If you spend a great deal of time in the sun, the possibility of developing skin cancer always may be in the back of your mind. Still, human skin can be finicky, with harmless blemishes appearing and going away routinely. Because you have a good professional relationship with your primary care physician, you trust him or her to know the difference between innocuous blemishes and those that are considerably more serious.

According to the Mayo Clinic, basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer in the U.S. This carcinoma tends to appear on parts of the skin that have regular skin exposure. Sadly, some doctors overlook basal cell carcinoma longer than they should.

A lack of experience

Even though basal cell carcinoma is alarmingly common, your go-to doctor may have little experience dealing with it. Rather than alarming you by ordering a biopsy or referring you to an oncologist, your physician might take a wait-and-see approach. Still, because early treatment is likely to make all the difference in your prognosis, waiting too long may be catastrophic to your health.

The likelihood of another ailment

Depending on your age and other factors, it may be increasingly likely your skin blemish is eczema, acne or another comparatively minor condition. If your doctor tries to treat you for something you do not have, though, you may waste precious time. To ensure your safety, your physician must try to rule out both serious and less serious conditions.

If your doctor catches your basal cell carcinoma early, you are apt to have a decent prognosis. Ultimately, though, you may be eligible for significant compensation for skin cancer your doctor overlooks for too long.

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