Take yourself back in time: imagine your torts professor, widely referred to as Professor Sadist, crafting the hypothetical for your final exam. At first glance it seems out of character: the issue spotting is too easy and the questions of liability too clear.  The hypo is this:

Pat Patient is a North Carolina resident who visits her local doctor, complaining about pain in her leg. Dr. Feelgood reviews her medical history, examines her, takes an x-ray and tells Pat he sees nothing amiss. He prescribes the standard (insurance approved) protocol: six weeks of physical therapy twice a week, over-the-counter Aleve as needed, and hot compresses and cold-packs—whichever make her feel better.  Ms. Patient complies diligently and returns to Dr. Feelgood six weeks later stating that the pain is worse. Dr. Feelgood, unable to diagnose the source of the pain—but knowing Ms. Patient had cancer of the cervix nine years earlier—orders an MRI.