The consequences of inaccurate imaging can be severe:
- Delayed Diagnosis: False negatives can result in missed or delayed diagnosis, allowing the cancer to progress to a more advanced stage. - Unnecessary Treatment: False positives can lead to unnecessary treatments, including surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, which have their own risks and side effects. - Psychological Impact: Both false positives and false negatives can cause significant psychological stress for patients and their families. - Increased Healthcare Costs: Inaccuracies can lead to additional tests and procedures, increasing the overall cost of healthcare.
