March marks Brain Tumour Awareness Month. In the UK, brain tumours are among the most common forms of cancer, with statistics suggesting that 1 in 3 people will know someone affected by a brain tumour.
At the Medical Law Partnership, we understand that a potential misdiagnosis of a brain tumour is an incredibly concerning time for you and your family. Our team provides the expert guidance and support, necessary to determine whether you have received an appropriate standard of care. If that standard has not been met, you may be entitled to pursue a brain tumour misdiagnosis claim.
What is a brain tumour?
A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain, these are graded 1-4 based on how quickly they grow and how likely they are to spread.
Low-Grade Tumours (Grades 1 and 2)
Often referred to as non-cancerous or benign, these tumours are typically slow growing.
- Grade 1: These grow very slowly. They are often successfully treated with surgery.
- Grade 2: While still slow growing, these cells can spread into surrounding brain tissue.
Even benign tumours are serious if not diagnosed and managed promptly.
High-Grade Tumours (Grades 3 and 4)
These are cancerous or malignant tumours. They are fast-growing, aggressive, and more likely to spread to other parts of the brain or body.
- Grade 3: The cells are actively spreading into nearby tissue.
- Grade 4: These are the most aggressive tumours (such as glioblastomas) and frequently return even after intensive treatment.
More than 12,000 people are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour in the UK every year and there are estimated to be over 60,000 people living with a brain tumour.
While currently there is no single known cause, ongoing research, emerging clinical treatments and trials are a step in the right direction to correctly diagnose this disease as quickly as possible.
The Reality of Brain Tumour Misdiagnosis Claims
Misdiagnosis occurs when a brain tumour is mistaken for another condition, such as migraines. This leads to avoidable delays in treatment. When symptoms are overlooked or incorrectly interpreted, patients may be denied:
- Quick investigations (such as CT or MRI scan)
- Specialist referrals
- Necessary care which could significantly alter clinical outcomes and recovery
At the Medical Law Partnership, we’ve helped many patients across England and Wales who have faced these challenges.
We believe that every patient deserves a high standard of care, where this has not been provided, you may be entitled to compensation.
If you believe that your care, or the care of a loved one, involved a failure in diagnosis, our specialist team is here to help you understand whether you may be able to make a claim.
Contact The Medical Law Partnership today to discuss your circumstances with our experienced team.