Misdiagnosis of Cervical Cancer
June 3, 2009 by Valerie Shinus
Filed under Health & Fitness
Cervical cancer affects the lower part of the uterus or cervix. Every year over 11,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer. If this cancer is diagnosed early, treatment can be stressful.
When treatment is delayed due to a misdiagnosis the patient does not have the same chance of receiveing proper treatment and a positive outcome. The treatment may be wrong, delayed, absent or given without need when the cervical cancer is misdiagnosed. This can lead to 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.
How Cervical Cancer Is Diagnosed
A Pap smear is an important exam for whom who are sexually active. It is not a diagnostic test but is used to identify whether abnormal cells are present. Further testing will be necessary, if abnormal cells are found, for an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnostic testing includes:
Colposcopy – this includes the use of a colposcope to look at the cervix and the areas of abnormal cellular growth.
Biopsy – a sample of abnormal tissue is taken from the cervix for testing
Endocervical scraping – a specialized instrument is used to scrape tissue lining the endocervical canal, an area the doctor cannot reach with the colposcope
Cone biopsy – removal of a cone-shaped tissue from the cervix.
These tests need to be performed and read by professionals. Mistakes in testing or in the interpretation of the test results can lead to poor treatment and possible death.
How Misdiagnosis of Cervical Cancer Occurs
A misdiagnosis of cervical cancer may occur because:
*Failing 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)
*Lab results are misinterpreted
*An error in the lab that mixes up patient results
These are just a few examples and any of these mistakes can result in diagnosis being delayed, missed or the wrong diagnosis all together. For instance, is someone was diagnosed with an illness and received treatment but they never had any illness or if someone did have an illness and it was never diagnosed. These unnecessary mistakes can be fatal for a patient.
Have You Been the Victim of Misdiagnosis?
If you experienced a misdiagnosis of cervical cancer, you have legal rights and can take legal action. Bring in your case to a medical malpractice attorney. They are experienced in these types of cases. A victim can file a lawsuit against the negligent party and can recover some monetary and non-monetary damages including last wages, treatment expenses and pain and suffering.
Attorneys offer free evaluations, they can determine if you are eligible to file a claim. If it is determined you are eligible they will advise you of your legal options.
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