Lung cancer misdiagnosis is a serious issue as it can have severe impacts on patients and their families. The impacts include delayed or incorrect treatment.
In a January 2025 report, the American Cancer Society says that lung cancer is the top cause of cancer deaths in the country, highlighting the need for precise and timely diagnosis. This also underscores the importance of knowing the usual medical errors that can lead to a misdiagnosis of lung cancer.
Failure to order tests
One of the usual medical errors is failing to order diagnostic tests. Health care providers may not order the necessary tests due to a lack of training or experience. Additionally, not gathering enough information about the medical history of a patient can lead to this error.
Misinterpretation of test results
Another usual error involves misinterpreting test results such as X-rays, CT scans and biopsy results. This can be due to biases or mistakes in judgment. Communication breakdowns between health care providers can also result in this error.
Late referrals to specialists
In addition, late referrals to specialists can occur when primary care physicians fail to recognize the urgency of a patient’s symptoms. Also, this error can be due to a lack of effective coordination between primary care physicians and specialists, who may misunderstand patient needs.
Insufficient follow-up care
Finally, not providing sufficient follow-up care can result in reduced treatment options. Failure to consider other diagnoses can also contribute to this error, as health care providers may not look into all possible causes of a patient’s symptoms.
Advocating for the rights of patients
Lung cancer misdiagnosis is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach to address. However, individuals dealing with misdiagnosis may find it daunting to go through the legal process to seek justice. With legal counsel, they may better advocate for their rights as they aim to hold negligent health care providers accountable.