What to do about Misdiagnosis of Lymphoma

I have been told that misdiagnosis of lymphoma compensation is possible when symptoms have been missed by a doctor. My father has now been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but visited a doctor with symptoms six months ago. Is he eligible to claim misdiagnosis of lymphoma compensation?

You have been informed correctly; misdiagnosis of lymphoma compensation can be claimed if a patient visits a doctor with symptoms of this cancer, and the symptoms are misinterpreted and are attributed to another condition or are missed entirely. However this does not necessarily mean that a misdiagnosis of lymphoma compensation claim can be made.

The misdiagnosis of lymphoma is not uncommon, as the cancer has symptoms which can be attributed to other less serious conditions including common infections. Lymphoma is usually first noticeable as a swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit, groin or neck. There are usually other symptoms including fever, heavy sweating, itching and breathing problems, although some or none of these symptoms may be present in certain individuals. Misdiagnosis of lymphoma compensation can only be claimed if it can be determined that a competent doctor should have arranged for further medical tests to be completed to aid a correct diagnosis; and that the symptoms presented warranted this.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is often not treated immediately, even though treatment in the early stages can be highly effective. It is often not possible to determine the type of lymphoma which is affecting an individual until the cancer has progressed. There are at least ten different types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and treatment varies for each type.

Misdiagnosis of lymphoma compensation can only be awarded if the delay in diagnosis has prevented treatment from being administered, and if early treatment would have improved the chances of its success.  Depending on the histology and the type of lymphoma, treatment may not have been possible at an earlier stage of the disease.

In your case, with 6 months having elapsed between the correct diagnosis and the initial misdiagnosis of lymphoma, compensation for misdiagnosis of lymphoma may be awarded as there could have been medical negligence in patient follow up. A doctor should have informed your father of the potential seriousness of symptoms should they persist, and advised him to return for a check up if his condition did not improve.

You should discuss your father´s case in detail with a medical negligence solicitor to determine whether there has been medical negligence, and if a claim for misdiagnosis of lymphoma compensation can be made for your father.