Testicular cancer can have serious consequences if it is not diagnosed promptly. The success of any treatment largely hinges on an early diagnosis. If your doctor fails to identify your testicular cancer in a timely manner, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit, which could provide compensation for the harm you’ve endured.
A failure to diagnose happens when a medical professional overlooks signs of cancer, resulting in a delay in treatment. In the case of testicular cancer, this could mean that a doctor misses key symptoms, dismisses a patient’s concerns, or fails to order the necessary diagnostic tests.
Common Symptoms of Testicular Cancer Include:
- Changes in the size or feel of one or both testicles
- Lumps or swelling
- Pain in the affected area
When these symptoms are ignored, testicular cancer may advance to a more serious stage, which can severely affect treatment effectiveness and survival chances. Typically, we consider a case worth investigating if there’s a delay of six months or more. For instance, if you visited your doctor a year ago with complaints of swollen testicles and pain, only to be told it was an infection—only to later find out you have stage 4 testicular cancer—that situation could constitute a potential case.
In cases of medical malpractice stemming from a failure to diagnose testicular cancer, the timing of the diagnosis is crucial. What is key is when you discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, that something was amiss. For example, if a patient informs their doctor about a lump and the doctor dismisses it, but months later a different doctor diagnoses advanced testicular cancer, the legal timeline begins when the correct diagnosis is made—not when the initial misdiagnosis occurred. Please note that claims of negligence can usually only be filed within four years of the date of the diagnosis (assuming you were over 18 at the time).
If you suspect that a failure to diagnose your testicular cancer has occurred, we’re here to help. We offer a free consultation to assess whether you have a viable case. Testicular cancer is highly treatable, especially when caught early. However, a delayed diagnosis due to a doctor’s negligence can lead to life-altering consequences.
There is no upfront fee to hire an attorney, as we only get paid if you win. We can connect you with a reputable law firm with a proven track record in similar cases. Please reach out to us anytime at 312-346-5320 for a free consult. We cover all of Illinois.
