Examples:
Lung, Breast, Colon, Cervical,
Ovarian,
Endometrial, Prostate, Testicular, Renal, Bladder, Oral, Skin
It
is well known that the early detection of several types of
cancer may improve the patient's chances for cure,
prevent the spread of the cancer, and prevent the patient
from needing chemotherapy or radiation. Within the standard
of care, there are many tests or studies that a doctor may
need to order or perform to allow for the early diagnosis
of a patient's cancer:
 Biopsy- MRI
- CT Scan
- PET Scan
- Mammogram
- Pap Smear
- Ultrasound
- Colonoscopy
- X-Ray
- Blood Test
When
malpractice occurs, it generally involves a negligent
delay in diagnosing the patient's cancer.
When
there is a delay in diagnosis, a localized form of cancer is unfortunately given time to enlarge or spread to nearby
lymph nodes or other organs.
The delay, which may be several
months or years, may result in a decrease in the patient's
chance of cure or survival. This type of malpractice may occur
when a patient reports to a doctor with a sign/symptom suggestive
of cancer, but the doctor negligently fails to make the diagnosis
because he/she:
- Fails to conduct a thorough examination.
- Fails to timely order or perform a test, study,
or film.
- Fails to properly interpret the data or images from
a test, study, or film.
- Fails to actually read the results of a report,
or take proper action, when a report shows an abnormality.
- Fails to timely refer the patient to the appropriate
specialist for further examination.
- Fails to recommend a follow-up appointment within
the appropriate time period.
As
a result of one or more of the above, the cancer remains undiagnosed and unfortunately is given
time to spread. When the cancer is eventually diagnosed, the
unfortunate spread of the cancer may have resulted in the
patient having a decreased chance of cure and having to undergo
chemotherapy or radiation.
Lung Cancer:
Early signs
that may be suggestive of lung cancer include, but are not
limited to, a cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath,
chest pain, asbestos exposure, or a lung nodule that appears
on a chest x-ray and requires further investigation. Other
risk factors may include when a patient is a smoker, has been
exposed to asbestos, or has a history of cancer in the family.
In diagnosing lung cancer, testing may (without limitation)
include a chest x-ray, CT scan, MRI, PET scan, and needle
biopsy.
Breast
Cancer:
Early signs that may be suggestive of breast
cancer include, but are not limited to, a suspicious lump
or mass, an inverted/retracted area of skin or nipple, redness,
tenderness, discharge, etc. Other risk factors may include
when a patient is taking an estrogen hormone, obese, or has
a history of cancer in the family. In diagnosing breast cancer,
testing may (without limitation) include a mammogram, an ultrasound,
and needle biopsy.
 Colon
and Rectal Cancer:
Early signs that may be suggestive
of colon and rectal cancer include, but are not limited to,
rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, constipation, abdominal
pain, change in bowel habits, unexplained anemia, etc. Other
risk factors may include when a patient has a history of a
bowel or rectal problem such as a polyp or hemorrhoids, or
has a history of cancer in the family. In diagnosing colon
and rectal cancer, testing may (without limitation) include
a colonoscopy and biopsy.
Cervical
Cancer:
Early signs that may be suggestive of cervical
cancer in woman include, but are not limited to vaginal bleeding,
discharge, cervical dysplasia, etc. Risk factors may include
when a patient has a history of a cervical dysplasia, or has
a history of cancer in the family. In diagnosing cervical
cancer, testing may (without limitation) include a PAP smear,
biopsy, or colposcopy.
Prostate
Cancer:
Early signs that may be suggestive of prostate
cancer in men include problems with urination or ejaculation
such as pain. In diagnosing prostate cancer, testing may (without
limitation) include a prostate exam, a blood test to check
for an elevated PSA (prostate specific antigen), or transrectal
ultrasonography.
Skin
Cancer (such as melanoma):
Early signs that may
be suggestive of skin cancer include, but are not limited
to, a mole or lesion that has enlarged in size, has changed
in appearance or color, has an irregular border or a raised
surface. Other risk factors include when a patient has a history
of unprotected sun exposure or a history of cancer in the
family. In diagnosing skin cancer, testing may (without limitation)
include a tissue biopsy or scraping.
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in diagnosis of cancer, then click
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