Cervical cancer is diagnosed in our country in over 11,000 women every year. Cervical cancer affects the lower part of the uterus, also known as the cervix. Treatments should be given as early as possible, so diagnosing the cancer early is important. With an early diagnosis, treatments can have a better chance fighting the illness.

When a misdiagnosis of cervical cancer occurs, the patient does not have the same chance of a post outcome as do a patient who had proper treatments. Wrong treatments, delayed treatments, no treatments, given or treatments are given without any need when misdiagnosis of cervical cancer. A misdiagnosis can also result in death.

There are medical malpractice attorneys representing victims all over the country in misdiagnosis of cervical cancer cases. They will determine if you have a claim by offering free evaluations.

Diagnosing Cervical Cancer

A regular Pap smear, for women who are sexually active, is important in early detection. The Pap smear, while not a diagnostic test, can detect abnormal cells which can then be tested further for a full diagnosis.

Diagnostic testing includes:

Colposcopy – the cervix is viewed by using a colposcope to see the areas where there is abnormal growth of cells.

Biopsy – taking a sample of the abnormal tissue for testing.

Endocervical scraping – the tissue of the endocervical canal is scraped using a specialized instrument.

Cone biopsy – removal of a cone-shaped tissue from the cervix.

Failure to administer diagnostic tests or to interpret the results properly can postpone effective treatment options and have devastating consequences for the patient.

The Occurrence of Cervical Cancer Misdiagnosis

Cervical cancer may be misdiagnosed as the result of:

*The doctor fails to recognize symptoms of cervical cancer, thereby failing to perform the tests necessary for diagnosis

*Failing to obtain a full patient history, which is important for identifying risk factors such as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

*Results from the testing being misinterpreted

*An error in the lab that mixes up patient results

There are many types of misdiagnosis. Delayed diagnosis, missed diagnosis and wrong diagnosis can each have their own consequence. For instance, a wrong of cervical cancer when a patient does not have cancer can undergo treatments that are not needed. In addition, if cancer was missed, a patient will not receive treatment they actually need to live.

Have You Been Misdiagnosed?

If you were misdiagnosis of cervical cancer, there is legal action you can take and with the help of a malpractice attorney, it can happen. The negligent party can be held liable and a victim can recover some compensation for damages lost. This can include lost wages, treatment costs, pain, and suffering.

To learn more about your legal rights if you have been misdiagnosed, contact a medical attorney today. They will be happy to evaluate your case, answer your legal questions and inform you of your rights.

Angiosarcoma symptoms are difficult to identify. This is because the cancer does not exhibit any symptoms until it is in an advanced stage and there a very few symptoms that indicate the presence of the tumor. It may take years for angiosarcoma to develop and it can affect any number of organs and systems of the body. Angiosarcoma symptoms vary with the location of the tumor.

A history of exposure to carcinogens may point to a need to explore any symptoms at a deeper level. The carcinogens such as vinyl chloride, radiation or other chemicals do damage at a cellular level which is why it may take many years for the actual tumor to appear.

At the cellular level, a series of growth disorders occur. These set the foundation for the growth of angiosarcoma tumors. Uncontrolled cellular growth and division beyond what is considered normal limits occurs and may intrude on and destroy adjacent tissues. These cancer cells may spread into other locations in the body through the lymph and circulatory systems.

Hemangiosarcoma is a form of angiosarcoma in which the blood vessels grow directly into the tumor. Blood disorders can become the initial symptom due to uncontrolled growth and division of the blood cells that cause bleeding and deficiency of platelets. This leads to the development of small blood clots that may block the smaller blood vessels. The platelets and clotting factors become depleted causing excess bleeding.

When the level of healthy blood cells in the body is low, it is called anemia. Anemia is one of the most common blood disorders. This is a health concern because hemoglobin is contained in the red blood cells and this is what carries oxygen to the body’s tissues. The body’s organs begin to show stress and fatigue as symptoms of anemia.

Advanced Angiosarcoma of the skin, bone, or surrounding tissues is easier to diagnose. Some of the symptoms may include: fatigue, anemia, reduction of red blood cells, a lump or swelling under the skin, skin lesions, bone pain, dull aches or stabbing pains. Internal Angiosarcomas are much more difficult to diagnose, but usually grow into large tumors very quickly. Unfortunately, once the tumor is developed enough to display symptoms, treatment is usually ineffective.

Angiosarcomas arising at different sites and in different organs have some distinct features.

Skin: This type of angiosarcoma is easier to diagnose due to the development of large, unmistakable lesions at the tumor site. An enlarged bruise, a node that has a blue-black coloration, or lesions that don’t heal are all symptoms of this form of angiosarcoma. A significant discharge of fluids such as blood or lymph and the complaint of pain at the site of the tumor are also common.

Bone: This angiosarcoma may cause a weakening of the bone making it more susceptible to breakage. There may be tumors on several bones of the same exteremity. Pain, swelling and tenderness in the area of the tumor are all symptoms that may present in bone angiosarcoma.

Liver: Liver Angiosarcoma is usually asymptomatic in the early stage. As the disease progresses hepatic dysfunctions appear as well as increasing loss of appetite, weight loss, and jaundice. There may be upper quadrant pain.

Soft Tissue: Abdominal Angiosarcoma may rapidly grow to a large size in the abdomen before being detected. Symptoms may include hemorrhage, anemia, and gastrointestinal bleeding. The adjacent lymph nodes may be enlarged.