Last Updated on April 22, 2025 by tanya

If a Malignant Tumour is Misdiagnosed

 

Here Are Common Conditions That May Mimic A Tumour

 

If a malignant tumour is misdiagnosed or if you receive a delayed diagnosis, it may have a serious impact. These may include opportunities for early intervention or result in unnecessary treatment. However there are other conditions which may resemble a malignant tumour.

If this has happened to you, you may be able to file a medical negligence claim. You will have to show that the misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis was a result of a lower standard of care than expected. Additionally, that it led to a worsened health outcome for you.

If you want to find out more about starting a claim for compensation, First Personal Injury can help. We partner with lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

 

What Conditions Can Mimic a Malignant Tumour?

Many non-cancerous conditions present similarly to cancer both clinically and on scans. Here are some of the most common conditions which may resemble a tumour on a scan or because of similar symptoms:

 

Benign (Non-Cancerous) Tumours

 

• Fibroadenomas are common, harmless lumps in the breast that can feel and look like breast cancer.
• Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps under the skin that sometimes get mistaken for more serious growths called soft tissue sarcomas.
• Osteochondromas are benign bone growths that might be confused with bone cancer on an X-ray or scan.

Infections

 

• Tuberculosis (TB) can cause lumps or lesions in the lungs and lymph nodes that can look like lung cancer or lymphoma.
• Certain fungal infections can create masses in the body that may seem like cancer that has spread.

Inflammatory and Autoimmune Conditions

 

• Sarcoidosis is a condition that causes swollen lymph nodes and lung changes.
• Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) can cause growths in the nose, throat, and lungs.
• Autoimmune pancreatitis can mimic pancreatic cancer on a scan because of how the pancreas appears when it’s inflamed.

Pseudo tumours and Other Growths

 

• Inflammatory pseudo tumours are non-cancerous lumps in places like the liver, lungs, or brain that may be mistaken for malignant tumours.
• Organising pneumonia is a lung condition that may cause unusual-looking areas in the lungs.

Cysts and Other Abnormal-Looking Tissue Changes

 

• Ovarian cysts, especially complex or large ones, can be mistaken for ovarian cancer.
• Pancreatic pseudocysts – these are fluid-filled sacs which can look like cystic tumours on scans.
• Atypical hyperplasia is a change in breast or oesophagus tissue that can appear like early cancer under a microscope.

 

The Risks of Misdiagnosing A Malignant Tumour

A misdiagnosed tumour or a delayed diagnosis may result in serious consequences:

When a malignancy is mistaken for a benign disease, it may delay essential treatment, potentially worsening the prognosis and limiting treatment options.

In all instances you should always consult with a medical professional around life expectancy questions.

 

Why Does Misdiagnosis Happen?

Several factors contribute to misdiagnosis or a delayed diagnosis:

 

• Overlapping symptoms: Many cancers and benign conditions share symptoms like weight loss, pain, and fatigue.
• Limitations of imaging: Benign and malignant masses may often appear similar on MRI, CT, or ultrasound scans.
• Histological errors: Biopsy results may be inconclusive or misinterpreted.

 

When Does Misdiagnosis Become Medical Negligence?

It is important to note that not every diagnostic error is considered negligent. To claim medical negligence, your healthcare provider must have breached the standard duty of care directly causing harm.

Examples of medical negligence may include a failure to refer a patient for urgent scans or a biopsy. Or, it may be a result of misreading scans or biopsy results. If such an error leads to harm, such as unnecessary treatments or a worsened outcome, you may have grounds for a claim.

 

How to Make a Medical Negligence Claim for Misdiagnosis

If you’ve suffered due to a cancer misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, firstly it’s important to seek expert legal advice. An experienced lawyer will be able to provide a comprehensive review of your case and advise if it valid.

You should also obtain evidence. This includes:

 

• Medical records.
• Test results.
• Personal documenting of symptoms.
• Expert witness reports.

 

You typically have three years from the date of becoming aware of the negligence to starting a claim.

 

What Does Compensation Cover?

Generally, compensation can cover

• Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity.
• Past and future financial losses.
• Costs of additional medical treatment.
• Loss of earnings.

 

Take The Next Step

Medical negligence claims can be complex, so consulting with a medical negligence lawyer is important to move forward.  To do this, contact our team at First Personal Injury.

We can guide you through the process to get the compensation you deserve. We work with experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or contact us online for a free consultation.