When a medical diagnosis is delayed, the results can be life-changing. A delay means the condition goes untreated, sometimes for far too long. Early care could have made a significant difference in many cases.
Why do delayed diagnoses occur? Below are some common causes and the conditions most often involved.
Common causes of delayed diagnosis
Many delayed diagnoses start with a missed detail. A doctor may overlook symptoms, fail to order the right tests or misread the results. In a busy hospital or clinic, time pressure can lead to rushed decisions or missed follow-ups.
Some doctors may overlook serious symptoms because they do not match the typical signs of certain conditions. This often happens with heart attacks in women. Instead of the classic chest pain, women may report nausea, shortness of breath or fatigue. These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for stress, anxiety or even indigestion. As a result, women are more likely to be sent home without proper testing or treatment.
Conditions that are often misdiagnosed
Some illnesses are more difficult to detect. Cancers such as breast, lung or colon cancer are commonly diagnosed late because their early symptoms can be mild or nonspecific. Autoimmune conditions like lupus or multiple sclerosis are also often misdiagnosed since they resemble other illnesses.
A delayed diagnosis can lead to more severe illness, more intense treatment and higher medical costs. In some cases, the delay can result in permanent damage or death. Even when patients recover, the emotional impact of not being believed or properly treated can last years.
If you have been harmed by a delayed diagnosis, you may want to consider seeking legal guidance.
