The patient presented with a skin lesion on his cheek and underwent a biopsy that was initially misdiagnosed as a rare fungal infection even though the differential diagnosis included potential cancer. The term “differential diagnosis” means a list of all possible conditions that could be causing symptoms. Based on that incorrect interpretation, the treating physician pursued antifungal therapy. No repeat biopsy or timely referral was made, and treatment for the wrong condition continued for months while the lesion progressed. A later biopsy ultimately confirmed the presence of squamous cell carcinoma, with no fungal involvement. The delayed diagnosis and continued inappropriate treatment allowed the malignancy to advance, necessitating unnecessary facial surgery. Patrick J. Giese represented the plaintiff.
Napleton & Partners
