Melanoma is one serious type of skin cancer that often gets a lot of attention because of its potential effect on a patient’s life, but it is not the only type of skin cancer. Other skin cancers such as basal and squamous skin cancers can be just as deadly, especially if there is a misdiagnosis of cancer. Accordingly, it is important to be aware of possible symptoms of skin cancer, appropriate tests for skin cancer, and what to do if a failure to diagnose cancer impacts your treatment, recovery, or chances of survival.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
The following may be signs of cancer that require further testing:
- Basal cell carcinomas. This type of cancer may appear as a flat, firm and pale area of skin or as a raised, pink or red, translucent, waxy and shiny area of skin.
- Squamous cell carcinomas. This type of cancer may appear as a lump with a crusty, scaly or rough skin surface.
If these types of cancers are suspected, further diagnostic tests are necessary to make a proper diagnosis.
Testing for Skin Cancer
The failure to diagnose skin cancer can have catastrophic effects. Thus, a medical exam including a medical history and questions about changes in skin are required to make a proper diagnosis. Additionally, tests such as a biopsy may be required to make a definitive diagnosis.
Contact an Atlanta Medical Malpractice Lawyer After the Misdiagnosis of Cancer
A delay in the proper diagnosis of skin cancer can allow the disease to progress and significantly affect your health and life expectancy. If you, or a loved one, may have suffered from a cancer misdiagnosis in Atlanta, then we invite you to read our FREE book: Cancer: Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Errors to learn more about what may have happened to you and about your rights.
We also encourage you to call an Atlanta failure to diagnose lawyer directly at 1.770.518.1133 for a free consultation.