Skin cancer is very common and, for most forms of it, very treatable when caught early. Treatment often entails simply cutting out the cancerous cells and then letting the body heal. In some cases, this can be done during a 30-minute visit to the dermatologist.
The problem, of course, is identifying skin cancer in the first place. It could appear to be something else that is not nearly as serious.
For instance, what if the doctor believes that you just have eczema? This is also a very common condition that can look similar. Medical professionals just try to manage the symptoms of eczema, not cure it. For instance, they may give you a topical cream that is supposed to make the irritation go down. This can take time and you may deal with the condition, to one degree or another, for the rest of your life.
Skin cancer could also get confused with acne, warts, moles, pimples or a rash — just to name a few. When it begins, the cancerous spots are often very small and may not have some tell-tale signs — such as bleeding — that give them away. However, the smaller they are, the easier they are to treat. This is the ideal time, and it’s important that a doctor does not make a misdiagnosis that allows cancer to spread while you’re trying to treat it with eczema skin cream.
If a doctor does make a mistake in diagnosis and your cancer spreads, it can grow far more serious. They will eventually figure out what you’re dealing with, but you may need vastly more extensive treatment and your prospects may not be as positive. Make sure you know what legal options you have to seek fair compensation for your losses.
