Testicular cancer misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis | How can I make a claim?
In the UK, around 2,300 people are diagnosed with testicular cancer. Although testicular cancer is one of the rarer cancer types, it is still the most common cancer in men aged between 15 and 49; according to Cancer Research UK. Therefore, it is important that a diagnosis of testicular cancer is found in its early stages for a better chance of full recovery.
Due to the rare nature of testicular cancer, misdiagnosis can unfortunately occur. This guide will explore the common symptoms of testicular cancer, and explain how a misdiagnosis happens. We will also look at how you can make a misdiagnosis claim, and how Wake Smith can help.
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Discover the common symptoms of testicular cancer, and what you should look out for.
Find out the common occurrences of when a misdiagnosis can happen.
Find out more about the process of making a misdiagnosis claim, and what you can expect.
Find out more about how we can help you with your claim.
What are the common symptoms of testicular cancer?
There are different types of testicular cancer - stromal tumours and germ cell tumours. The most common type is germ cell testicular cancer, which can be classed as seminoma and non-seminoma. Both of these subtypes of germ cell tumours occur at equal rates, and it is possible to have a combination.
Some common symptoms of testicular cancer are the presence of a lump in one testicle, or that they feel swollen or painful. Some note feeling that their scrotum is heavier than usual, or that they are experiencing pain in their testicles. Another common symptom is a testicle becoming larger. In advanced cases, you can also suffer from back pain.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should get in touch with your GP.
How does a misdiagnosis happen?
As testicular cancer is not a common cancer, a misdiagnosis can happen; especially in the initial stages.
Medical negligence
Your doctor may diagnose you with an illness you are not suffering from, or they may diagnose you with the wrong type of testicular cancer. If you have an underlying health condition or an unexpected issue, you may find that you are diagnosed with testicular cancer incorrectly, as well.
The most common forms of medical negligence around testicular cancer misdiagnosis include detecting a tumour but not believing it is cancerous. This can delay appropriate cancer treatment. In other cases, a doctor may misread test results. With some negligence, it is simply due to a doctor not spending adequate time speaking with you or following up.
Common misdiagnoses
When it comes to a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of testicular cancer, there are several other illnesses that this can be diagnosed as instead. Testicular cancer is sometimes mistaken for mumps, an infection which can cause localised swelling in some areas - this is due to one of the main symptoms of testicular cancer being swelling.
You may also be diagnosed with epididymitis (or epididymal-orchitis), which occurs when the tube at the back of your testicles is infected. This causes swelling and pain and can inflame your testicles; other common symptoms of testicular cancer.
In some cases, your GP may misdiagnose you with testicular torsion. This can occur when your testicle has rotated, which can reduce the blood flow to your testicle and cause it to become extremely swollen and painful.
A common cause of misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis is a doctor believing your symptoms are due to a sexually transmitted disease. Diseases such as chlamydia can result in swelling, and some doctors will look at this before running further tests. This can mean a significant delay in appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
How do you make a cancer misdiagnosis claim?
A testicular cancer misdiagnosis can have consequences for you, both in terms of your treatment and your overall prognosis. Misdiagnosis can delay proper treatment, which could result in worsening physical health and increased mental strain. In the worst cases, a misdiagnosis could even lead to a premature death.
If you, or your loved one, have experienced medical negligence in this way, then you may have the right to make a claim for compensation. In order to do this, cancer misdiagnosis claims must be made within three years of your misdiagnosis.
One of the most essential parts of making a claim is ensuring you have the correct help from an experienced medical negligence solicitor.
How Wake Smith can help
When you are seeking to make a claim for testicular cancer misdiagnosis, it is vital that you have the best support available.
Wake Smith has been providing advice and legal support to the Sheffield area for over two hundred years. We are experienced in cases of misdiagnosis and clinical negligence and can help you with everything from gathering evidence to communicating with the medical body in question. In most cases, we will settle your claim out of court, but we can also represent you in a courtroom setting.
For more information and to discuss your claim further, get in touch with Wake Smith via our contact form for a confidential conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Can you claim for testicular cancer misdiagnosis?
If you have been misdiagnosed, it is possible to make a claim. It is important that you have the correct evidence to show that you were misdiagnosed or received a delayed diagnosis, and how this impacted your life going forward.
Who is at risk of developing testicular cancer?
Anyone assigned male at birth is at risk of testicular cancer, including transgender women. It can be diagnosed at any age but is commonly found in 15-49-year-olds.
If you are experiencing any symptoms, including swollen or painful testicles, you should see your GP immediately.
What happens if cancer is misdiagnosed?
If cancer is misdiagnosed, you may face delays in finding the correct treatment, which could seriously impact your quality of life, prognosis, and even wrongful death. In this case, it is important to seek justice for medical malpractice.
Get in contact with our medical malpractice solicitors to see if you can make a claim.
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