How Misdiagnosis of Cervical Cancer Occurs
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.
Medical malpractice attorneys represent victims who have been misdiagnosed in cervical cancer cases. Through a free evaluation they will determine if the victim has a claim.
Diagnosing Cervical Cancer
A regular visit to a doctor for a Pap smear is important for women who are sexually active. Although a Pap smear is not a diagnostic test, it is used to find abnormal cells. If a cell is seen that is abnormal, more tests should be ordered to properly diagnose.
Diagnostic testing includes:
Colposcopy – this includes the use of a colposcope to look at the cervix and the areas of abnormal cellular growth.
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.
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.
Misdiagnosing Cervical Cancer
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
*The doctor fails to obtain a full patient history, so misses risk factors such as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
*Lab results are misinterpreted
*Patient lab results mixed up with those of another patient due to a laboratory error
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.
Contact an attorney to learn more about your legal if you were misdiagnosis of cervical cancer. They will evaluate your case at no cost and advise you of your rights.
