Multiple myeloma is a form of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. It can be difficult to diagnose, particularly in the early stages of the disease, and doctors can often miss subtle signs and symptoms. This in turn can lead to delayed diagnosis of the cancer, and the impact of any such delay can be catastrophic. The earlier the diagnosis and commencement of treatment, the better the prognosis for a patient.
What are the symptoms of Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma can cause a variety of symptoms such as bone pain, fatigue, anaemia, kidney dysfunction and the patient may be more susceptible to infections. In its early stages, these symptoms may be very subtle but as the cancer progresses, symptoms may worsen to include bone fractures, kidney failure, unexplained weight loss and nerve damage.
If left untreated, multiple myeloma will likely become terminal and ultimately lead to the death of the patient.
Delayed Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma
As the signs and symptoms are so subtle, there may be a failure by the doctor to recognise them and carry out appropriate investigations. The symptoms of back pain, fatigue or bone pain can often be attributed to other medical conditions and the potential severity overlooked. Of course, not every patient with these symptoms will be suffering from multiple myeloma, but a doctor should have this potential diagnosis in their minds and consider appropriate tests, particularly if the symptoms are continuing or worsening over a period of time.
Appropriate investigations
Blood tests are useful for a doctor when considering a potential diagnosis of multiple myeloma, but the abnormalities in the results may only show slight irregularities, and there may be a failure by the doctor to correctly interpret the results. Appropriate testing can also include specialised blood testing for M-proteins, or X-rays.
Specialist referral
GPs are usually the first port of call when a patient presents with symptoms of multiple myeloma and if this ought to be suspected, then the GP should make the appropriate urgent referral to hospital for further investigations, such as a bone marrow biopsy and MRI scan, and treatment. Any delays in this referral when the GP should suspect multiple myeloma, can amount to medical negligence.
Consequences of a Delayed Diagnosis
The impact of a delayed diagnosis of multiple myeloma can be devastating and even fatal. When diagnosis, and therefore treatment, is delayed, the disease is allowed to progress and this can become terminal.
In addition, the patient may suffer avoidable injuries such as bone fractures and kidney damage, which can cause a lot of unnecessary pain and require additional treatment. This can have a significant impact upon a patient, especially when they are already facing gruelling treatment for the cancer itself.
How we can help
Our specialist team have a wealth of experience in handling claims for delayed diagnosis of cancer, and multiple myeloma. We understand how devastating a cancer diagnosis is for a patient and their loved ones, and how traumatic it is to then also have to come to terms with the realisation that the cancer could have been diagnosed earlier. We are here to support you through your claim, and to seek the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered a delayed diagnosis of multiple myeloma, please get in touch for a no-obligation chat with our team, to see if we can assist you with a potential claim.
