Most of us, at some point in our lives, will notice a lump or bump somewhere on our body that raises concern. Naturally, we turn to our doctors for answers. But what happens when your doctor downplays or misdiagnoses something that turns out to be serious—like cancer?
In New York, particularly upstate and in communities like Saratoga Springs, we’ve seen tragic cases where a missed or delayed cancer diagnosis could have been avoided with more thorough medical care. One specific concern: synovial sarcoma, a rare and often slow-growing cancer that forms near joints, like the knee or elbow.
When Is a Lump Not Just a Lump?
Let’s say you notice a lump near your knee and visit an orthopedic surgeon. If the doctor assumes it’s just a benign cyst without conducting further evaluation—like imaging, aspiration, or biopsy—you could be at risk for a missed cancer diagnosis.
In cases involving synovial sarcoma, early detection is crucial. This type of cancer doesn’t usually grow quickly, which means it can be misdiagnosed as something harmless. But just because a lump is slow-growing doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous.
What Your Doctor Should Be Doing
When you bring a lump to your doctor’s attention, especially in or around a joint, here are the steps they should be taking:
- Palpate the lump – meaning they physically examine it by touch.
- Measure it – and record whether it changes in size over time.
- Assess its characteristics – is it hard? Is it mobile? Is it tender?
- Aspiration (drawing out fluid) – to check whether the lump is fluid-filled or solid.
- Consider advanced imaging or biopsy if there’s any doubt about the diagnosis.
We’ve seen cases where a doctor tried to aspirate a lump but stopped because the procedure was painful or inconclusive. In situations like that, sedation or another method could—and should—be considered. A failed aspiration is not a reason to ignore the lump altogether.
Be Your Own Advocate
Doctors are trained professionals, but they’re also human—and sometimes they get it wrong. If you’re told a lump is nothing to worry about, but your gut says otherwise, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. This is especially important in New York, where access to top-tier specialists and hospitals gives patients more choices than ever.
If your doctor refuses to investigate further or dismisses your concerns, you have the right to push for answers. Surgery and biopsies carry risks, but so does doing nothing.
What If It’s Too Late?
If you or a loved one has suffered from a delayed cancer diagnosis, and now you’re dealing with a more advanced condition because a doctor failed to act, you may have legal options. As a New York litigation attorney focused on medical malpractice, I’ve seen how devastating this can be for families—and I know how to help.
When to Call a Lawyer
You should reach out to a medical malpractice attorney if:
- You were misdiagnosed or undiagnosed for cancer.
- Your doctor failed to properly evaluate or treat a mass.
- You received treatment for a misdiagnosis, and the real condition progressed.
At our Saratoga Springs office, we’ve handled many cases like these. We understand what to look for and how to build a strong case for missed or delayed diagnoses.
📞 If you have questions, call us today. We’re here to help.
Don’t wait. In New York, medical malpractice claims are subject to strict time limits—the earlier you act, the better.