Skin Cancer Misdiagnosis - Medical Negligence Solicitors
There are two main types of skin cancer which are usually painless and slow growing. Misdiagnosis or late diagnosis which amounts to medical negligence is common with regards to skin cancer and melanoma. Most skin cancer appears in areas exposed to the sun.:-
Basal Cell Skin Cancer develops as a red lump which may be smooth, pearly, waxy, firm, bleed, crusty or itchy.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas are scaly, often with a hard horny cap and usually develop in areas of the skin that are damaged by exposure to the sun. Most squamous cell carcinomas are located on the face, bald scalps, arms, hands and lower legs
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Diagnosis
Following referral to a specialist, most people will see a dermatologist however referral may also be made to a general surgeon, a plastic surgeon or a clinical oncologist (radiotherapy and chemotherapy specialist) dependent on the area of the body that is affected. Most medical negligence cases relating to skin cancer arise due to a doctor failing to make a referral to a specialist and misdiagnosing the condition as a less serious illness. A specialist will make use of further tests including biopsy, x-rays, CT scans and MRI scans to make a definitive diagnosis.