A timely diagnosis is often crucial for cancer patients in Arizona and around the country, but experts believe that about one in ten cases of pleural mesothelioma are misdiagnosed. This rare form of cancer is most often found in individuals who have been exposed to asbestos, and it is challenging for oncologists because many of its symptoms can easily be mistaken for lung cancer.
Some Arizona women who have been told that they do not have breast cancer after undergoing a mammogram may actually have the disease. A different kind of screening called molecular breast imaging, or MBI, can detect cancers that mammogram screenings miss.
Interstitial cystitis is a condition highlighted by pain in the pelvic region in addition to frequent urges to urinate. To make matters worse, it can be difficult for even experienced medical professionals to diagnose the condition. In some cases, patients are told that they are imagining the issue, which can lead to emotional distress.
For many Arizona women who suffer from endometriosis, finding treatment or even getting an accurate diagnosis can be difficult. In fact, the average wait for being correctly diagnosed is about 12 years. This is because some doctors may dismiss or ignore the symptoms or misdiagnose the symptoms as something else, ultimately delaying treatment.
Medical mistakes are alarmingly common in Arizona and across the country. Some cases that have appeared in recent years provide a sobering reminder of the importance of avoiding such mistakes.
In one case, a 36-year-old Arizona man with a brain injury died after ingesting unopened ketchup packets, plastic bags and paper towels while in the care of an assisted living facility.
