CANCER CASES

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:

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:

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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