New research exploring breast cancer occurrence in women reveals how conditions can often be misdiagnosed by biopsy specialists.

The new study shows that pathologists often determine if cancerous conditions are present in the breast tissue correctly, yet they fall short when making the correct diagnosis in cases where the tissue is normal or has less serious conditions. Hence, a patient with a positive diagnosis is then at risk to be either under-treated or over-treated.

Up to Half of Breast Tissue Biopsy Diagnosis May be Incorrect

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that of the breast biopsy samples in the control group, 33 percent were misdiagnosed as worrisome or normal and 17 percent were mislabeled as having suspicious cells. In roughly half of the samples, when precancerous abnormal cells were present, a pathologist was able to diagnose it correctly. In other words, the study has seemingly shed light on the fact that diagnosis of precancerous cells was incorrect in almost half the cases examined.

In 13 percent of tissue specimens, pathologists mistakenly found suspicious cells and many times had trouble identifying a condition called DCIS—ductal carcinoma in situ. DCIS is the most common non-invasive form of breast cancer and develops first inside the milk ducts in the breast. Close to 60,000 women are diagnosed with DCIS each year—a statistical rise due to increased mammography use. Misdiagnosing DCIS, or identifying normal cells when cancerous ones are present, could mean a life or death situation for some women.

Misdiagnosis Results in Inadequate Treatment and Possible Medical Malpractice

Annually, over one hundred thousand U.S. women are diagnosed with cancerous breast cells and many of these women may not be receiving the proper amount of treatment for their situations. Pathology is an imperfect science. Therefore it is always important to obtain a second opinion when faced with a positive diagnosis for cancerous cells.

Failure to diagnose cancer in some situations may result in medical malpractice. Patients who believe they may have been the victim of medical malpractice or misdiagnosis should consult with a Westport personal injury attorney without delay to discuss their case. Richard Raphael, Attorney at Law, is proud to represent victims of medical malpractice in Connecticut.