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False-positive breast cancer tests come with consequences

On Behalf of | Jun 30, 2020 | Breast Cancer

Technology has given us the means to detect life-threatening conditions early enough for successful treatment in many cases. More and more Georgia residents take advantage of technologies like mammography to ensure that their breasts are cancer-free. While the benefits of mammography are undeniable, these procedures are not 100% accurate 100% of the time.

Sometimes, mammograms return false-negative results, which means not getting treatment early enough to rid the body of cancer. False-negative tests are tragic and can lead to death. However, false-positive test results also come with negative consequences. In either situation, victims have legal options such as medical malpractice claims when a breast cancer misdiagnosis occurs.

Since false-negative cancer screenings already get a lot of attention – and rightly so – we thought readers should also understand the consequences of false-positive tests. For example, say that you go for your annual mammogram and get a call back from your doctor requesting additional tests. Of course, you immediately schedule these tests.

Unfortunately, your second round of tests may also return positive results. Your doctor recommends biopsies or other methods of testing and you agree to do so. If your doctor still believes you have breast cancer, you may undergo many rounds of dangerous chemotherapy and may even have your breast removed.

If, after breast removal, it turns out that the tissue was cancer-free, you have undergone several expensive, dangerous and frightening procedures for no real reason. You have likely also suffered considerable emotional and mental stress on this unnecessary journey.

This example is extreme, but it can happen, according to doctors. It can be hard to know if these false-positive tests qualify as medical malpractice. However, when you consider the expenses, pain and stress you have suffered, it makes sense to learn more.

We encourage those who have suffered from a false-positive breast cancer diagnosis to reach out for legal assistance to determine if they have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Please, continue reviewing our website for additional information.

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