Cook County Medical Malpractice Lawyers for Missed Skin Cancer Diagnosis

Skin Cancer Misdiagnosis Attorneys Serving Arlington Heights, Libertyville, Schaumburg and Throughout Illinois

One of the most common types of cancer is skin cancer. More than four million people are diagnosed with skin cancer on a yearly basis. Skin cancer occurs when a mutation in the DNA of one's skin cell abnormally reproduces. Properly diagnosing skin cancer is necessary to prevent further spread of what can be a fatal disease. Misdiagnosing skin cancer is medical malpractice and you or your loved one can obtain monetary compensation for damages sustained. If you or your loved one has been injured due to a skin cancer misdiagnosis, you need to contact an experienced attorney to determine your right to relief.

Common Types of Skin Cancer

The most common types of skin cancer are melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma.

• Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer that has the appearance of a mole. In cases of melanoma, the mole will be abnormally shaped and can be pink, brown, red, blue, or purple.
• Squamous cell carcinoma is another form of cancer that resembles a wart or sore. This type of cancer usually occurs because of overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays.
• Basal cell carcinoma causes lesions or sores as a result of abnormal growth on the skin's basal cells. This type of cancer appears as open sores, red patches, pink growths, or shiny bumps.

All of these forms of cancer are treatable but have been fatal when left untreated. Early treatment is necessary to prevent further spreading.

Common Reasons for Misdiagnosis

The most common reason for a misdiagnosis of skin cancer is due to the close appearance of other conditions. Because melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma all appear as moles, warts, or blemishes, they are often diagnosed as less serious conditions such as eczema or blemishes that are not a cause for concern. Because of these inaccurate diagnoses, patients are not referred to dermatologists or other specialists who see the usual signs of cancer on a more frequent basis and will react with a greater sense of urgency. When a misdiagnosis occurs, it also puts patients at ease and causes them to disregard the signs or symptoms of a problem. By the time a patient returns for a second opinion, the condition will have drastically worsened.

Contact Us Today

A medical mistake on cancer patients has damaging consequences, some of which can not be undone. If you have suffered an injury as a result of medical malpractice, our experienced counsel wants to help you. Newland & Newland, LLP is an Illinois law firm with several offices located throughout the state. Our law firm has helped thousands of families and we can assist you with filing a claim for the injuries you sustained as a result of a misdiagnosis. Our firm is your one-stop-shop for relief, as our attorneys can help you with any of your personal injury needs. To schedule an initial review of your claim, contact Newland & Newland, LLP today at 847-797-8000.