Can I make a claim for failure to diagnose melanoma?
There has been an increase in the number of people diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in the UK.
The rise in cases of melanoma is more commonly diagnosed in the older generation. However, there has been a surge in adults between the ages of 25-49 who are also receiving the diagnosis.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a severe type of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body if not diagnosed and treated promptly. It’s important to note that there are also non-melanoma skin cancers, which are more common and usually not as serious as melanoma.
How does Melanoma appear on the skin?
The most common and noticeable sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, or colour of an existing or new mole. If you are worried about any new changes on your skin, it is essential to seek a review from your GP and obtain the appropriate advice as soon as possible.
Early detection of new moles or changes to existing moles is crucial for successful skin cancer treatment. If left undiagnosed, treatment such as therapy can be more challenging and less effective.
Unfortunately, approximately 2,300 people die from melanoma each year.
Have you been misdiagnosed?
If you have raised any concerns with your GP and they have not further investigated them, you may have grounds to claim for clinical negligence.
In cases where a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis has occurred, the course of treatment is significantly affected. In such circumstances, the negligent act can result in more invasive treatment or, in some cases, death, which could have been avoided.
Circumstances that can lead to a misdiagnosis or a delayed diagnosis include:
- Melanoma being mistaken for a benign mole
- Failure to refer a patient for further investigation
- A delay in referring a patient
- Incorrect interpretation of biopsy results
Making a claim for failure to diagnose melanoma
To make a claim for failure to diagnose melanoma or any other form of cancer, please call helpline on 0333 888 0412 or email brief details of your case to us in complete confidence at [email protected]. We will investigate your case free of charge and provide details of No Win, No Fee funding.