A late cancer diagnosis can feel devastating. Many people replay the timeline in their minds, asking the same question: What if my doctor had caught this sooner? When squamous cell skin cancer goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, the disease can progress, treatment can become more invasive, and the long-term outcome can change dramatically.
If you were diagnosed with squamous cell skin cancer later than you should have been, you may wonder if the medical provider failed to do their job. Continue reading to learn more about when a delayed diagnosis could be considered medical malpractice.
What Is Squamous Cell Skin Cancer?
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common types of skin cancer. It develops in the squamous cells, which comprise the middle and outer layers of the skin and are frequently exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds. This can make SCC especially common in areas like the face, ears, neck, scalp, hands, and arms.
In its early stages, squamous cell skin cancer often appears as:
- A scaly or crusted patch
- A red, irritated lesion
- A firm bump that may bleed
- A sore that does not heal
When caught early, squamous cell skin cancer is usually treatable. Doctors often remove it with minor surgery, and patients recover with little long-term impact. However, when diagnosis is delayed, SCC can grow deeper into the skin, damage surrounding tissue, or even metastasize to other parts of the body.
Why Early Diagnosis of Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Matters
Early detection is critical with any form of cancer, including squamous cell skin cancer. When a doctor identifies SCC early, treatment is typically simpler, less invasive, and far more effective.
Delayed diagnosis can lead to:
- Larger tumors requiring extensive surgery
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Nerve Damage
- Spread to lymph nodes or organs
- More aggressive treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy
- Reduced survival rates
Because SCC often starts in visible areas of the skin, healthcare providers are expected to recognize it quickly. They should identify suspicious lesions, order appropriate testing, or refer patients to specialists when needed.
What Does a “Late Diagnosis” Mean Legally?
A late diagnosis does not automatically mean malpractice occurred. The law does not require doctors to be perfect. However, it does require them to meet the accepted standard of care.
In a legal context, a late diagnosis may support a claim if:
- A reasonably competent provider would have suspected cancer sooner
- The provider ignored warning signs
- The provider failed to order appropriate tests or biopsies
- The provider misread or failed to follow up on test results
- The delay allowed the cancer to worsen
The key legal question is not simply whether the diagnosis was late. Instead, the question is whether the diagnosis reasonably should have been made earlier.
Do I Have a Medical Malpractice Case Due to a Delayed Diagnosis?
Not every delayed cancer diagnosis leads to a valid claim. To bring a successful medical malpractice case, several elements generally must be present.
A lawyer will typically evaluate whether:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed
- The provider failed to meet the accepted medical standard of care
- The failure caused a delay in diagnosis
- The delay worsened the outcome or reduced treatment options
If earlier diagnosis would likely have led to less invasive treatment, better prognosis, or improved survival, a malpractice claim may be viable.
What Compensation May Be Available?
If malpractice is proven, compensation may cover both economic and non-economic damages.
These may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Costs of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy
- Reconstructive procedures
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
In severe cases, compensation may also address long-term care needs and permanent impairment.
Contact the Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorneys at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys for Help Today
A delayed diagnosis of squamous cell skin cancer can change the course of a person’s life. Patients have the right to ask whether proper care was provided – and seek accountability when it was not.
If you believe medical negligence played a role in your delayed diagnosis, Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys can help you understand your options. Our Chicago medical malpractice lawyers can help determine whether you may pursue compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation to take your first step toward protecting your future.
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