Male or Childhood Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis: Can I Sue?

 Posted on October 07, 2024 in Medical Malpractice

When you hear of someone having breast cancer, you probably automatically assume it is a woman. Did you know that men and children can also develop breast cancer? Although rare, physicians should be aware of these possibilities to allow for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, breast cancer in these uncommon groups is often misdiagnosed.

You may be entitled to compensation through a medical malpractice claim if you suffer harm due to a breast cancer misdiagnosis. These cases are often complex, but the knowledgeable attorneys from Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, thrive on complicated cases and know how to get you the compensation you deserve.

How Does Breast Cancer Affect Men and Children?

Childhood or male breast cancer is often not caught at earlier stages because these patients do not usually undergo routine screening mammograms as women do. This rare cancer typically affects men who are at least 60 years old, with symptoms including:

• Lumps in the underarm or breast areas
• Red or scaly skin
• Puckering or dimples in the skin
• Nipple discharge
• Shape and size alteration

Children’s breast tumors are usually benign, but some are cancerous. With 10 years old being the average diagnosis age, children may experience the same symptoms as men. Unfortunately, breast cancer that affects adolescents is often aggressive, making early diagnosis a necessity.  

When diagnosed early, men who undergo appropriate treatment can expect a similar outcome to women with the same stage and type of cancer. However, most men are unaware they can get breast cancer, so they may dismiss these symptoms. In 2024, around 2,790 U.S. men may be diagnosed, and an estimated 530 will die from breast cancer.

How Can Childhood and Male Breast Cancer Be Misdiagnosed?

Because these forms of cancer are uncommon, physicians may not recognize the symptoms. However, if most medical providers with a similar background and qualifications would likely have made a correct diagnosis in the same situation, that may indicate negligence. If you or your child suffered harm due to that negligence, you might be eligible for compensation by filing a medical malpractice claim.

Common medical errors in cancer cases include:

• Delayed diagnosis
• Misdiagnosis
• Misinterpreting diagnostic test results
• Overdiagnosis
• Inaccurate results due to equipment malfunction
• Failing to order appropriate tests

The consequences of misdiagnoses are often severe, allowing cancer to spread and become less responsive to treatment. Mental and emotional suffering are also common, particularly if the patient dies as a result of the misdiagnosis. In fatal cases, eligible survivors may obtain compensation through a wrongful death action.

When you choose Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, we will investigate your situation thoroughly. We will identify the at-fault parties and work to hold them accountable for the harm they caused.

Schedule Your Consultation With Our Determined Rockford, IL Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Improperly diagnosed breast cancer can cause significant harm to women, men, and children. At Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, we will advocate for your best interests and help you win the compensation you deserve. Call 815-215-7561 for your free consultation with our dedicated Winnebago County, IL personal injury attorneys.