Lymphoma Misdiagnosis - Medical Negligence Solicitors
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system of which there are two main types being Hodgkin lymphoma (formerly known as Hodgkin’s disease) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (formerly known as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma). Both variants by and large share the same symptoms which may include drenching and/or frequent sweats, high temperatures, loss of appetite, weight loss, tiredness, a cough or breathlessness and a persistent itch all over the body. One of the first symptoms of lymphoma is a painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpit and groin. There are occasions when these symptoms mimic other conditions and misdiagnosis of the early stages of lymphoma is not uncommon. Doctors should avoid the potential of medical negligence claims by carefully eliminating lymphoma rather than simply attributing the symptoms to another less serious illness.
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Diagnosis
Initial diagnosis is where things are most likely to go wrong with a misdiagnosis. Anyone suffering from obvious symptoms should be sent for x-ray examination and blood tests. A definitive diagnosis will be made by removal of an enlarged lymph node under anesthetic for detailed examination under a microscope. In addition the specialist may also take tissue samples from other parts of the body for testing.