Mammogram Technician Falsified Test Results – 10 Women Suffered Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis

This is one of the more outrageous stories I have ever come across. A mammogram technician fell behind on her work. Instead of catching up or asking for help, she simply chose to falsify the results. Ten women actually had a breast cancer misdiagnosis as a result.  “The tech, Rachael Rapraeger, pleaded guilty earlier this month to 10 misdemeanor charges of reckless conduct and one felony charge of computer forgery. She was sentenced to serve up to six months in a detention center, to serve 10 years on probation during which she can’t work in the health care field and to pay a $12,500 fine.”  Her excuse? She had personal issues.

Always Ask for a Second Opinion

Misdiagnosis of breast cancer is entirely too common. In some cases, the misdiagnosis occurs because the cancer is small or the woman has especially dense breasts. In such cases, additional tests might be needed, and should be prescribed. But in other cases, the cancer misdiagnosis happens because the radiologist or technician fails to read the test properly.  If you are suspicious that you have breast cancer, it is your right to ask for a second opinion or additional testing. Never hesitate to speak up on your own behalf.  It is your life and it is much better that you get the correct diagnosis now.  If you wait and it turns out you have a fast growing breast cancer, as happened with at least one of the patients in this case, you might find yourself in need of much more serious treatment.  Had the cancer been treated right away, perhaps you would have only needed a lumpectomy. But later on, you might need your entire breast removed. Or you could find yourself with a deadly condition.

Suffered From Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis?

If you or a loved one suffered from a breast cancer misdiagnosis due to medical malpractice, please contact our medical malpractice lawyers in Pennsylvania. We will help you determine if the misdiagnosis is the basis for  lawsuit. You should not have to handle additional medical costs, or even the loss of a family member, because a medical professional made a serious and unnecessary mistake.