Failure to Diagnose Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer is also known as the silent killer because the early onset of cervical cancer is generally symptom free. Because symptoms turn up in later stages of the disease, the chances of survival are diminished. It is important for doctors to detect cervical cancer as soon as possible in order to give the patient the best outcome possible.

Because cervical cancer does not have many signs or symptoms in the early stages, it is difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. However it is still possible to prove a medical malpractice case for failure to diagnose cervical cancer. The patient or plaintiff must show these four elements:

1. The doctor had a duty to diagnose the cancer earlier
2. The doctor breached the duty to diagnose the cancer
3. The patient suffered injury
4. The injury must be caused by the doctor’s breach

Cervical cancer malpractice lawsuits are often due to the doctor of the lab technician’s failure to properly perform a Pap test, correctly interpret the results of the Pap test or biopsy, and begin necessary treatment in a timely manner. It is important to hire a lawyer immediately if you suspect medical malpractice has occurred because the burden of proof is on the plaintiff and you only have a limited time in which to file your claim.

Florida Failure to Diagnose Cervical Cancer Attorneys

The attorneys at Levine and Glassman know that many people suffering from cervical cancer were also the victims of medical malpractice because the physicians failed to diagnose the cancer in its earlier stages. If you or a loved one has cervical cancer and you think it could have been diagnosed sooner, contact the personal injury attorneys at Levine and Glassman, P.A. Our experienced attorneys welcome your call to discuss the particular facts of your case.

Cervical Cancer Information Center

• What is the Cervix?
• What is Cervical Cancer?
• What are the risk factors for Cervical Cancer?
• What are the signs and symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
• What are the common screening methods for Cervical Cancer?
• What are the stages of Cervical Cancer?
• What are the treatments for Cervical Cancer?
• Why do I need a lawyer if my doctor fails to diagnose Cervical Cancer?

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What is the Cervix?

The cervix is the opening to the uterus. It is two inches long and has a tube shape. The cervix is also called the “birth canal” because it gets bigger during child birth in order to get the baby out of the womb.

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What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical Cancer happens when abnormal cells on the cervix grow out of control. Cervical Cancer tends to grow very slowly though so it is possible to have abnormal cell growth confined to one area of the cervix for years and years. It is still better to detect cervical cancer as early as possible though because cervical cancer in its advance stages spreads to the uterus, bladder, and other surrounding organs and is much more difficult to treat.

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Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

• Human Papillomavirus Infection (HPV) - Infection with some strains of HPV greatly increase the risk of developing cervical cancer

• Smoking - Women who smoke are more likely to get cervical cancer than nonsmokers

• Chlamydia Infection - Some studies indicate that Chlamydia infection could increase the risk for getting cervical cancer

• Diet - Diets low in fruits and vegetables may contribute to the risk of developing cervical cancer

• Oral Contraceptive Use - Long term oral contraception use such as five years or more can increase the chance of getting cervical cancer

• More than one pregnancy - Women that have more than one full term pregnancy are at a greater risk for cervical cancer

• Family History - If there is a family history of ovarian or cervical cancer in the family then the woman has an increased risk of getting cervical cancer

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What are the signs and symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

In the early stages of cervical cancer, there are usually no signs or symptoms reported. In later stages the following symptoms may occur:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Weight loss
• Unusual discharge from the vagina
• Blood spots or light bleeding outside of normal periods
• Significant pain or bleeding during sex

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Screening Methods for Cervical Cancer

Pap Tests - Also called a Pap smear, this is a medical procedure to collect cells from the cervix and examine them to see if any cancer or abnormal cells are present.

Pelvic Exams - Pelvic exams include all the female organs and the physician checks for any abnormalities in shape or size of the vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bladder.

The American Cancer Society suggests that women should schedule their first Pap Smear or Pap Test around age 21. After the age of 21, women should have a Pap Test every 2 years. When women are in their 30s and they have 3 consecutive normal Pap Tests then they only need to get Pap Tests 3 times a year. If women are between the ages of 65-70 with three consecutive normal Pap Tests they can stop taking them. Women who have undergone a total hysterectomy no longer have to take Pap Tests.

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Stages of Cervical Cancer

There are 5 main stages of cervical cancer.

· Stage 0= Cancer is confined to the superficial layer of the cervix
· Stage I= More abnormal cell growth confined to the cervix
· Stage II= Cancer leaves the cervix
· Stage III= Cancer extends into the pelvic wall, the lower portion of the uterus
· Stage IV= Cancer extends beyond the pelvis to the bladder or to the bladder and other organs.

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Treatment for Cervical Cancer

Discuss treatment options with your oncologist and other doctors. In general there are 3 basic types of treatment for cervical cancer:

• Hysterectomy - removal of the uterus, cervix and other reproductive organs
• Radiation Therapy - used to shrink or kill tumors
• Chemotherapy - used to kills abnormal cells

Depending on what stage of cervical cancer you are in your doctor will talk to you about the best way to combat your cancer.

Cancer is a devastating experience. In most cases physicians and lab technicians are vigilant in regards to reading tests. Sometimes though doctors and other health care professionals fall below the standard of care and fail to correctly diagnose cervical cancer. Odds are the failure to diagnose was a mistake, but sometimes medical mistakes rise to the level of negligence and medical malpractice. Only an experienced medical malpractice attorney can assess your particular situation and see whether your case meets all the elements for a medical malpractice case.

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Why do I need a lawyer if my doctor fails to diagnose Cervical Cancer?

Even though it is difficult to detect cervical cancer in its earliest stages, it is still possible to detect cervical cancer before it reaches advanced stages. A late diagnosis of cervical cancer will cause more radiation and chemotherapy treatments, and these treatments can have extensive side effects and complications. It is important to talk to a lawyer right away if you suspect malpractice because you time to file a claim in is limited. It is sometimes difficult to prove a failure to diagnose cervical cancer case. An experienced lawyer will be able to advise you about your options.

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Resources

National Cancer Institute – Detailed information about diagnosis and treatment for cervical cancer.

Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program – Centers for Disease Control (CDC) funded program that conducts research on early detection techniques and provides health services for women that meet the eligibility requirements of the program.

Women’s Hospital Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital - The Women’s Hospital Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital is dedicated to providing quality, compassionate care for women of all ages and their children.

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Levine & Glassman | Florida Cervical Cancer Victim Attorneys

At Levine and Glassman, our medical malpractice lawyers are experienced in representing individuals throughout Florida who have suffered setbacks due to failure to diagnose breast cancer in a timely manner. Contact our personal injury attorneys today to discuss the particular facts and circumstances of your case. You should call (954) 332-6100 or fill out our online case evaluation form immediately to schedule your free consultation. We welcome your calls to our office.