A delayed diagnosis is different than a misdiagnosis. It just means the doctor takes longer than normal to come to the proper conclusion. It could start with a misdiagnosis that is later rectified when more symptoms are considered.
How serious this is likely depends on what that eventual diagnosis is. For some conditions, the delay will not have much impact on the patient or the treatment, other than meaning that they have to deal with their symptoms for longer. But in other cases, this can be a severe mistake that results in serious medical malpractice cases.
A cancer diagnosis
For instance, imagine that someone has cancer, but the doctor is unable to identify what the problem is. At the very beginning, the cancer might have been localized and operable, meaning they could’ve recovered. But if the delay allows the cancer to spread, it could spread to an area where an operation is impossible. This changes treatment options and could mean that the condition is now terminal.
This is especially a problem with aggressive types of cancer. One example of this is mesothelioma, which can show up in the lungs or in the abdomen. If the doctor misdiagnoses it as another condition, like an ulcer, the mesothelioma could continue to grow until there are no viable treatment options left.
Do you deserve compensation?
If you or a loved one has suffered due to mistakes made by medical professionals, you may have the right to start a medical malpractice lawsuit and seek financial compensation. Just be sure you know what legal steps to take at this time.