ChatGPT user claims it may have 'saved their life' after doctors dismissed ‘aggressive cancer’ symptoms as ‘mild infection’
A ChatGPT user claimed the app may have saved their life after they asked the artificial intelligence bot about a health issue.
Taking to Reddit, the user explained they had been suffering with a health issue for a couple of weeks when they decided to book an appointment with their doctor.
But before they did, they decided to ask ChatGPT - an AI chatbot - for its take on what could be happening.
Although the app told them the likely scenario was a mild illness, they also said there was a chance it could be something more serious.
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The user explained that it was that crucial information that could have potentially saved their life.
After visiting their doctor, they insisted on extra tests which revealed a serious illness.
"Recently I had a cold and a residual sore throat that lasted a couple of weeks and so naturally I went to the doctor but I also described my symptoms to ChatGPT," the patient wrote.
"It told me that the most likely scenario is I have a mild viral infection in my lymph nodes that should pass in 6-8 weeks. The less likely scenario it gave me was that I may have a tumour that could be detected via an ultrasound.
"I went to the doctor and she told me that I probably have a mild viral infection in my lymph nodes that should pass in 6-8 weeks."
The poster carried on: "I then asked for a referral to get an ultrasound which she advised me was a bit OTT.
"I told her that I would like to get it anyway. I have a super aggressive cancer in my thyroid and I'm going for surgery this week.
"Because of the very early diagnosis, my chance for a good recovery is high. Given another year or so and it would have spread to my lungs and bones."
Thyroid cancer is a growth that begins in the thyroid, which is a gland located at the base of the neck.
Symptoms can include swelling in the neck, voice changes and difficulty swallowing. However, thyroid cancer may not initially cause any symptoms.
Over on Reddit, people were shocked at the post, but many had split opinions.
One person wrote: "It's incredible. I had a similar experience last week (though not life threatening). It diagnosed me with gallstones so I went into the ED and, long story short, I'm now scheduled to have surgery to remove my gallbladder next Tuesday.
"Not only did it diagnose the problem, but it walked me through every step of the hospital process. It was a massive comfort."
While another said: "I find myself turning to chatgpt often with follow up questions or to confirm whether some post operative symptoms are normal. It's been great."
However, a third added: "I’m glad for OP in this specific situation and wish them well with their treatment, but this isn’t good medicine and people should not do this. Screening tests can be dangerous and ultrasounding every lymph node is going to lead to a lot of unnecessary testing, biopsy, and invasive procedures and risk for nothing far majority of the time."
It's important to note that in OpenAI's terms, they explain that their 'services are not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of any health condition'.
The terms read: "You are responsible for complying with applicable laws for any use of our Services in a medical or healthcare context."
Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Health, Reddit, Social Media, Technology
Lucy Devine