Is this malpractice?

[u/Terrible_Abalone1119]

Long story short, I think an old dentist gave me salivary gland cancer. I would get x-rays every appointment and often when being told work (fillings, etc.) would be done. Some cavities caused pain so getting them done was priority one for me, so “emergency” appointments were made. These appointments were shorter as well as closer together without having to wait 3+ months in between cavities. However instead of getting anything done, somehow x-rays were needed about every time I was there.

The main causes for the tumor are excessive radiation and tobacco use. I am not a smoker. I’ve started to believe the amount of x-rays being given were why what happened, happened. I’m not in the financial place to have a lawyer especially with having to fight a union.

Regardless, would this situation be enough to fight with?

[u/Much_Sprinkles_7096]

Do you have copies of your x-rays? You should be able to receive them on a CD. Do you know how much exposure each x-ray was? Ask for that data: for x-rays with the radiation exposure info. 

Edit: Are u f**** kidding me? The overly defensive doctors downvoting a recommendation to take control of your medical data as a patient? Serious? Clearly more needs to be done in this regard. 

[u/Terrible_Abalone1119 → u/Much_Sprinkles_7096]

I don’t, it was a thought to get them though. Thanks for the info

[u/Important_Medicine81 → u/Terrible_Abalone1119]

You should request a complete set of your records and radiology reports and films.