Have You Received a Misdiagnosis of Cervical Cancer?
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.
