Misdiagnosis of Vagina Cancer and Medical Negligence

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Vagina cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the vaginal tissues of a woman. This area is also referred to as the birth canal. Anytime that cell production does not function normally, and growth is disturbed or changed in any way, cells can divide quickly and start to grow out of control. When this occurs, cancer can result, because of damaged that has affected the part of the cell that is related to genetic material called deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). It is not completely understood what causes vagina cancer.

As the disease progresses, the symptoms that are associated with cancer of the vagina become more numerous. Nearly twenty percent of all cases of vagina cancer have no symptoms at all. The only way these cases are found is through abnormal results of a Pap test.

For the most part, vagina cancer is rare, and makes up the smallest number of cancer cases seen in women. While, as mentioned above, there are not many symptoms associated with the condition, there are a few things that have been observed, such as: vaginal discharge that is tinged with blood, bleeding following sexual intercourse, and pain or discomfort in the area of the pelvis. Other symptoms that have reported include: blood in the urine, difficulty passing urine, frequent urination, and pain in the area of the rectum. Since vagina cancer is rare, there are not a lot of cases seen on a yearly basis, which makes it hard for medical professional to become familiar with this type of cancer. This leads to a much greater chance of a misdiagnosis happening, which is inevitably a form of medical negligence.

There are two forms of vagina cancer that can affect women of just about any age. These two forms are as follows:

Adenocarcinoma Vaginal Cancer: this form of the disease typically affects younger women who are under the age of twenty. This form is not commonly seen.

Squamous Cell Vaginal Cancer: this form of the disease typically affects women who are between the ages of fifty and seventy years old. This form is more commonly seen.

In order to properly diagnose vagina cancer, you will need to stay current with routine checkups with your primary care physician, or with your gynecologist. Because most practitioners do not see many cases of the disease, there is a high risk of a misdiagnosis happening. That being said, if there is even the slightest suspicion of vagina cancer being present, the physician should send the patient to a cancer specialist who is more familiar with this disease, so that more in depth testing can be conducted. Tests that should be ordered include an internal vaginal examination, a cervical smear, a colposcopy, and a biopsy. Any area that appears to be abnormal for any reason should be further examined by collecting a tissue sample for microscopic review.

The best possible prognosis will come from the proper tests being ordered, the results being received in a prompt fashion, results being interpreted properly, and effective treatment being started right away. Any delay in treatment, for any reason, especially due to a misdiagnosis can be devastating and can lead to a fatal outcome. This is because the longer vagina cancer is left untreated, the greater the chance it will spread to other areas, and other organs, making it nearly impossible to treat.

If you or someone you know has been harmed because of a misdiagnosis of vagina cancer, it is important that you understand that you have legal rights, and you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries by taking legal action. The best possible way to go about taking this action is to contact a personal injury attorney who specializes in medical negligence and malpractice. These professionals are quite skilled in this area of the law, and know exactly how to proceed.

A personal injury attorney will examine all the details of your claim in order to ensure it is viable, and then will make recommendations on the best course of action. From this point, the attorney will handle all of the details on your behalf, leaving you with nothing to deal with except your own personal recovery.

Best of all, most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that you do not have to worry about how to pay for your claim upfront. You pay nothing until the time your case settles. This can make all the difference in the world for someone who is on the fence about how to proceed with their legal claim because of having a tight budget.

Once the claim is filed, your personal injury attorney will work hard to seek compensation for your past, present, and future medical expenses, any loss of income because of having to quit your job, as well as pain and suffering.

Since these types of cases can be quite complex, it is not recommended to attempt filing on your own without legal representation. The laws that govern medical negligence and malpractice cases can vary a great deal depending on the jurisdiction that oversees them, which can make filing somewhat confusing. A personal injury attorney completely removes this hassle, and will take care of every last detail.

Medical negligence claims are particularly concerning, and when they deal with cancer misdiagnoses can be absolutely devastating. These incidents should have never happened should the proper amount of attention been paid to the details, and the person or people responsible for the mistake need to be held accountable. Not only will you be seeking justice for yourself, and for your family, you will also be taking actions to help prevent this from happening to any other innocent victims.

Do not delay in seeking legal guidance for your claim. There are strict statutes of limitations that must be adhered to in order for your claim to proceed. Medical professionals have teams of legal representatives working hard to protect their interests and so should you. You have nothing to lose, but so much to gain.

For information on medical negligence lawyers & attorneys, visit the Philadelphia law firm website FeldmanShepherd.com.

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Have You Been A Victim of A Misdiagnosis of Melanoma?

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Believe it or not, even with the growing awareness of skin care and sun safety, the main cause of death from a form of skin disease is melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer and it can be quite serious and aggressive, making it very important to address quickly. When melanoma occurs, melanocytes are affected. Melanocytes are specific types of cells that are in charge of giving skin its pigmentation, which is referred to as melanin. Melanin is a natural material that provides color for the skin and hair.

While everyone tends to think of just the skin area when discussing melanoma, it can also affect the iris of the eye, which is the area that is colored. That being said, it is most common for melanoma to develop on the skin that overall appears normal. It can also start off as a mole or other area that is abnormal and can change with time. Moles that are present from very early on, even birth, can develop into melanoma.

There are four main types of melanoma. The most commonly occurring form of the disease is referred to as superficial spreading melanoma. This is usually identified by the flat, irregular shape of the area, along with various shades of black and brown. Superficial spreading melanoma can form at any time, in all age groups, can be found in just about any area of the body, and is more commonly seen in people with fair skin.

Nodular melanoma is the second most common form of the condition and is typically noted by a raised area that is dark blackish blue or bluish red; however there are some forms that have no color. This form is the most aggressive form of the disease and accounts for roughly fifteen percent of all cases.

The third most common type of melanoma is lentigo maligna. This form of the disease is commonly seen in elderly people, and is found on the skin located on the arms, neck, and face, or any other area that has been damaged by the sun. This type of melanoma is recognized by its flat, large size, and can be light brown with areas that are darker in color.

The fourth type of melanoma is somewhat rare and is called acral lentiginous melanoma. This form of the disease is found on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and under the nails and is more often seen in African Americans.

In addition to the above mentioned cases, there are also rare types of melanoma that form in the rear of the eye, in the retina, and even in the mouth. These forms of the disease are typically found during routine dental examinations or eye examinations. Even rarer, are cases of melanoma that form in the anus, the urinary tract, the vagina, the esophagus, and the small intestine.

Melanoma is a serious medical condition that can spread rapidly. While it is true that melanomas are not as common as other types of skin cancer, cases continue to rise each year, making it a leading cause of death related to dermatological issues. As people continue to age, the risk of developing melanoma increases as well, but it is important to note that younger people can also be affected.

Melanoma can be very aggressive, and can pop up at just about any stage of life. Since it can be a bit confusing distinguishing between a harmless mole and something more serious, the ABCDE guidelines have been put in place to help people judge their skin issues. "A" is for Asymmetry due to the fact that the shapes of melanomas are often irregular. "B" is for Border due to the fact that the borders of melanomas are also irregular. "C" is for Color because most melanomas have multiple colors. "D" is for Diameter because the majority of melanomas have a diameter of more than seven millimeters. "E" is for Evolving because melanomas change over time.

In order for a correct melanoma diagnosis to be made, a medical professional skilled in the field of dermatology, or other type of skin cancer specialist should examine the area in question. If you are seen by a primary care physician who does not specialize in issues with the skin, you should be recommended to a specialist. In the event that this recommendation is not made, a form of medical negligence may have occurred.

It is very important that any suspicious lesions be checked by a specialist since they can promptly make an accurate diagnosis and provide the best course of treatment. These professionals know how to examine the area, use special tools like a dermatoscope, and remove the discolored area to be further examined in a laboratory. Biopsies and laboratory tests are critical to making a correct diagnosis of melanoma. Follow up tests and examinations are also necessary. Furthermore, an incorrect dismissal of symptoms as something far less serious can also have devastating results that should not be left unpunished.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a melanoma misdiagnosis you should not delay in seeking professional legal assistance. It is in your best interest to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible in order to ensure your legal rights are protected.

Since different states have various laws and statutes of limitations on this type of claim, it is not advisable that you attempt to file on your own without professional assistance. A personal injury attorney who is skilled in the area of medical malpractice and negligence knows the ins and outs of the system quite well and can help you every step of the way, from filing to settlement. Because most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, you have no worries about funding your claim as it progresses through the system. An issue this serious should not be allowed to happen. Not only are you protecting your own interests by taking action, you are also helping to ensure this type of action does not happen to other innocent victims in the future.

For information on medical malpractice lawyers & attorneys, visit the Philadelphia law firm website FeldmanShepherd.com.

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Misdiagnosis of Thyroid Cancer, Who Is Responsible?

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The thyroid is a gland in the neck that is located near the base of the throat and is shaped like a butterfly. This gland is comprised of two different lobes, one on the left and one on the right, and is in charge of producing certain types of hormones. The thyroid uses iodine to help with the production of these various hormones. The hormones produced by the thyroid have many important functions such as regulating blood pressure, heart rate, metabolism, and body temperature. They are also necessary to manage different muscles, the nervous system, and organs. The thyroid is also a major factor in development and growth for children.

Thyroid cancer is a disease that results in the thyroid gland cells growing at a pace that is uncontrollable and rapid, which then becomes abnormal and causes masses to form, known as tumors.

Once the cells are examined under a microscope, and depending on how they appear, the type of cancer is classified as one of four possible types: anaplastic, follicular, medullary, or papillary. Each of these types of thyroid cancer grows at a different pace, and if not treated properly and promptly can spread to other areas within the body.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is responsible for roughly two percent of all cases of the disease. This form is extremely aggressive, and is the fastest growing form of thyroid cancer.

Follicular thyroid cancer is the second most commonly seen type of the disease, and is responsible for between thirty and fifty percent of all cases. This type of thyroid cancer originates in the cells of the thyroid that produce hormones.

Medullary thyroid cancer is responsible for about five to seven percent of all cases of the disease. This form of thyroid cancer starts in the parafollicular cells that produce calcitonin, which are also known as C cells. This type of hormone does not make use of or contain iodine.

Papillary thyroid cancer makes up the majority of cases of the disease, representing about sixty to eighty percent. This form of thyroid cancer is quite slow growing, and originates in the hormone producing cells that contain iodine.

For the most part, thyroid cancer is a slow growing cancer that often begins with just one symptom: swelling at the base of the neck where the gland is located. Another common symptom may include difficulty swallowing because of the tumor pressing on the gullet or windpipe. Typically, the main function of the thyroid gland is not affected when a tumor is present and individuals who have an overactive or underactive thyroid gland are not considered to be at a higher risk of developing cancer. Since there are few symptoms that are absolutely definitive, it is not uncommon that this disease is misdiagnosed.

In order to ensure a proper diagnosis of thyroid cancer is made, it is necessary for the following to occur:

Blood work - Blood tests help to measure the thyroid releasing hormone (TRH) levels, which is often a strong indicator of abnormalities, including cancer.

Fine needle aspiration and/or biopsy - This involves a medical professional inserting a thin, small needle into the area of the neck that is swollen. It is usually done with the help of an ultrasound. The needle then collects a sample of tissue that will be later examined in a laboratory.

While it is true that most type of thyroid cancers are not aggressive, and grow slowly, it is still absolutely critical that an early diagnosis is made, in order for the best treatment to be ordered, thus providing the best chance of recovery.

Unfortunately, each year, many patients needlessly suffer because a proper diagnosis of thyroid cancer is not made, it is overlooked, or it is delayed to the point that a successful recovery is no longer possible. The main reasons for this have to do with various levels of human interpretation, which leaves a great deal of room for error. When this happens, medical negligence has occurred, and it is important that the responsible parties be held accountable. You do have legal rights, and you should understand that you may be able to take action in order to receive monetary compensation for your injuries and medical expenses.

If you or someone you know has suffered because of a misdiagnosis of thyroid cancer, or a delayed diagnosis, you should not delay in seeking legal advice. A professional personal injury attorney who specializes in the area of medical negligence or malpractice is quite skilled with handling these types of cases and can handle every aspect of your claim. He or she knows the ins and outs of the law, and will be able to determine if your case is viable, along with the best way to file, what evidence is necessary, and when an expert should be called to testify.

Since these cases can be quite complex in nature, and because the laws and statutes of limitations do vary a good deal from state to state, it is important that you get help and do not try to pursue your case on your own. Medical professionals have teams of legal counsel on their side, ready to protect their clients at all times. Because of these reasons, it is very hard for someone without their own legal representation to recoup damages.

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means you will get proper legal representation of your own, without the need to pay upfront. This will allow you to focus on seeking the medical help and treatments you need to improve your medical condition, without having the added worry of how to fund your legal claim. Personal injury attorneys take care of your case from start to finish. You should never risk becoming a victim twice, and you should not let the party or parties responsible who are for your injuries get away with what they have done. A personal injury attorney can help you to secure your future, while bringing forth the justice that is rightly deserved.

For information on cancer misdiagnosis lawyers & attorneys, visit the Philadelphia law firm website FeldmanShepherd.com.

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Misdiagnosis of Larynx Cancer, What Should I Do?

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The larynx is located in the throat, and is also referred to as the voice box. Cancer of the larynx is a particular form of cancer that affects this area. The vocal chords, which vibrate to make sounds when a person speaks, are located in the voice box, which itself is made of cartilage. The larynx is connected to the throat and can be located just under where the throat is found. Throat cancer, including cancer that affects the larynx occurs when the cells of the throat mutate and change at an abnormal rate. The mutations then cause the cells to change and grow at a rapid rate, and live much longer than is typical for that of healthy cells. This causes an accumulation of cells that are abnormal, thus resulting in tumors.

While it is not known for sure what exactly causes these cells to grow in this fashion and cause cancer, medical professionals have been able to determine a number of factors that increase the chances of developing larynx cancer. Behaviors such as smoking, chewing tobacco, and abusing alcohol all increase the possibility of developing cancer.

There are some main symptoms that are associated with larynx cancer. Because this type of cancer forms on or close to the vocal chords, the tone of a person's voice, and the voice itself, may change. Hoarseness may also be reported in some patients. Other noted symptoms that are attributed to cancer of the larynx include discomfort swallowing, shortness of breath, a lump that can be felt in the throat or neck, and chronic ear aches.

That being said, there are some cases of cancer of the larynx that do not affect the vocal chords whatsoever, therefore there is no noticeable change in the tone or quality of the voice. It is also quite common that a patient who reports to the doctor with early symptoms of larynx cancer is dismissed as having a minor case of laryngitis because of a viral infection. Anytime this happens, a delay in treatment occurs, and the result could be quite devastating.

In order to make a proper diagnosis of cancer of the larynx, medical professionals need to conduct a complete physical examination along with ordering certain tests and x-rays. If there is a failure to adhere to this procedure, an act of medical negligence may have occurred. When preliminary tests and physical examinations are done, a more definitive diagnosis may be made by referring the patient to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. These specialists will physically feel the throat and neck area for any lumps or enlarged glands, and take a look at the overall health and condition of the mouth, and back of the throat. A more close up examination may be needed by using a fiber optic nasendoscope. A nasendoscope is a thin tube that has a light on one end. This helps the physician to view down the throat at a greater distance. From this point, follow up examinations may be ordered to get an idea of the shape of the larynx, which will require sedation by means of general anesthesia. Any items of concern will be collected during this procedure and biopsied for further diagnosis.

If cancer of the larynx is caught early, it can be treated, and the patient can have an improved quality of life, and may be able to be cured. If the cancer is left untreated, or there is a delay in treatment, it is possible that the cancer can spread to other areas of the body, which can lead to a case that is much more difficult to remedy.

If a proper diagnosis is not made because of an error on the part of a doctor or because of a technician who did not properly interpret lab results, a form of medical negligence may have occurred. When this happens, it is important to understand that you have legal rights, and you may be able to enforce those rights in a court of law.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a misdiagnosis of larynx cancer, you should not delay in seeking legal assistance. Contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible can help to ensure your rights are protected and give you the best chance of obtaining compensation for your injuries.

Personal injury attorneys who specialize in this area of the law are extremely skilled with these cases, and will work hard on your behalf. He or she will handle every last detail, collect medical records, evidence, and even arrange for expert testimony if needed. Personal injury attorneys will file all proceedings and provide advice on the best way for you to head with your case.

Best of all, most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means you have nothing to pay upfront. By not having to worry about how to fund your claim as it progresses through the legal system, you can spend your time focusing on your personal health and recovery, as well as spend precious time with friends and family.

In the event that you have lost a loved one because of a misdiagnosis of larynx cancer, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim on the decedent's behalf. A personal injury attorney will discuss your options and guide you in the proper direction.

Medical negligence claims can be quite complicated and are certainly not something you will want to take on yourself. Every state has various laws that govern these types of cases, and various statutes of limitations that must be followed. Failing to file in the proper amount of time or in the right way can sabotage your chances of receiving compensation.

Do not risk becoming a victim twice. Medical professionals have teams of legal representatives working on their side to protect them in all ways, and you should have someone in your corner. Hiring a personal injury attorney will give you all the tools necessary to get the justice you so rightly deserve.

For information on medical negligence lawyers & attorneys, visit the Philadelphia law firm website FeldmanShepherd.com.

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Understanding The Misdiagnosis of Lymphoma

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Lymphoma is a type of cancer that afflicts the body's lymphatic system. There are two main types of this disease which are referred to as Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (which was previously called Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma), and Hodgkin Lymphoma (which was previously called Hodgkin's disease). Generally speaking, both types of Lymphoma have symptoms that are similar in nature, which often include fatigue, a fever, itchiness that is felt all over the body, difficulty breathing, a loss of appetite, coughing, and frequent or drenching sweating episodes.

One of the symptoms that is often noted in early cases of lymphoma is a swelling of the lymph nodes that are located in the neck, armpit, and groin, that are not painful. It is important to note that these symptoms can also be due to other conditions that are far less serious in nature, so it is not uncommon for the disease to be misdiagnosed in the earliest stages. Medical health professionals need to take the proper steps to make sure a proper diagnosis is made so that they are not negligent in their ruling. This includes carefully ruling out other types of diseases, and not simply making a random assumption that the symptoms are due to something minor.

The lymphatic system is comprised of a series of ducts and tubules that are responsible for carrying a material called lymph to various parts of the body. Lymph is a milky type of fluid that is comprised of lymphocytes. The lymphocytes then combine with monocytes and granulocytes to make white blood cells, which are responsible for helping the body to repair the blood and fight off infections.

The lymph nodes are small organs that are shaped like peas and located within the lymph vessel system. The main job of the lymph nodes is to accumulate and produce lymphocytes. Lymph nodes in groupings can be found in the neck and groin areas, under the arms, in the chest, and in the abdominal area. The spleen, which is found in the upper region of the abdomen, as well as the thymus, which is found under the breastbone, and the thymus are also part of the lymphatic system. Lymphocytes are stored in the lymphoid tissue until they combine with the lymph that flows through the lymph nodes. There are two different types of lymphocytes: T cells, and B cells. Lymphoma can form in either type, however B cell lymphoma is far more common in adults, and T cell lymphoma is more common in children.

T cells and B cells have different jobs with the immune system of the body. When an infection enters the body because of a bacterium, B cells take action and begin making antibodies. These antibodies then attach to the bacterium and inform the other cells in the immune system to attack and kill the infection. T cells help to protect the body from viruses. If a virus enters the cells in the body, the body begins to produce proteins that are sent to the surface of the cells that are infected. T cells can then identify the proteins and produce cytokine which destroys the infected cells. Some cytokines can also be attracted to other types of cells, which further helps to eradicate the cells that are infected with the virus. T cells can also help to eliminate certain types of cancerous cells.

While lymphoma is usually classified as one of the type types that were discussed above, there are actually ten or more forms of lymphomas that are non-Hodgkin. These forms can be staged or categorized by how quickly they are growing or how aggressive they are spreading. The lower the grade, the slower the cancer is growing, while the higher the grade, the more aggressive the cancer.

It is during the earliest stages of this type of cancer when the highest chance for a misdiagnosis is possible. Patients who report the symptoms listed above need to be thoroughly evaluated by means of more blood testing and x-rays. The best way to diagnose the condition is to remove one of the enlarged lymph nodes and examine it in a laboratory under a microscope. Tissue samples and biopsies from other areas of the body can also be quite helpful in order to determine if the disease has spread.

This type of cancer is quite dangerous and can spread at a fairly rapid pace. It is because of this that it is extremely important that a timely and correct diagnosis is made. If a proper diagnosis is delayed for any reason, the results could be catastrophic. More aggressive treatments may be needed, extensive surgeries, and other types of chemotherapy and radiation may be required. In some cases, it may simply be too late once a proper diagnosis is made and the patient may have no chance of survival.

When a proper diagnosis of lymphoma is not made, medical personnel can and should be held accountable. This is a form of negligence and you owe to yourself, your family, as well as other patients to seek justice. The best way to go about this is to contact a personal injury attorney who specializes in medical negligence and malpractice. Because these types of cases can be complex and can be lengthy it is not a good idea to try to file a claim on your own. A personal injury attorney knows the ins and outs of this area of the law and can take proper action to ensure your case progresses properly and has the best chance of success.

Since most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, you will not have to worry about paying anything up front or funding your claim as it progresses through the courts. This will allow you to focus on more important areas of your life, such as your recovery and spending precious time with your family. A personal injury attorney cannot undo the harm you have suffered but he or she can help you to get the justice you deserve so that you can rebuild your life as best as possible.

For information on misdiagnosis and medical negligence please visit FeldmanShepherd.com

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False Positive Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims

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As hard as it may be to believe, on top of medical negligence in the form of cancer misdiagnoses, there are also times when false positive cancer diagnoses are made. This means that in addition to the worry of a medical professional missing the presence of cancer, or failing to diagnose it in a timely manner, there are also times that medical professionals diagnose a patient as having cancer when it is not really true.

Giving a patient a false positive diagnosis can cause serious physical, emotional, and even financial consequences. For the most part, false positive diagnoses typically occur because an improper method was used to implement a test, or the test was not analyzed properly which falls into the category of medical negligence.

Perhaps the worst part of this issue is that false positive diagnoses are not all together uncommon. In fact, it is estimated that as many as forty percent of all initial tests for cancer could be done in error, which would require a retest for a proper result. Because of this issue, it is important that a physician order a second test to verify the first results. It is when a final diagnosis is made, and it is found to be incorrect, that true harm results for the patient.

When Clinical Errors Occur

One of the most serious problems that arise when a false positive cancer diagnosis is made is the starting of cancer treatments. These treatments can include strong cancer fighting drugs, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and even surgical procedures. Cancer treatments are meant to destroy living cells which can be quite serious for patients who undergo these treatments and are not really ill. If your physician insists upon a certain type of treatment, especially one that could be life threatening, is based upon only one test that has been run, and you were not informed that the test results could be erroneous, it is almost certain that some form of medical negligence has occurred. In this situation, it is possible to hold the doctor who ordered the test, the lab technicians who analyzed the test, as well as the testing facility liable.

How Compensation is Awarded

While patients who have suffered with a false diagnosis are lucky in the fact that they are not truly afflicted with cancer, it is still possible to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your damages. These cases are quite important and can reap large monetary awards.

Compensation is often sought for patients who have not only dealt with the emotional trauma of a false diagnosis, but especially for those who have undergone cancer treatments that were not necessary. These treatments place patients at a high risk for life threatening complications, cause pain and suffering, and cause the patient to miss work, leading to financial distress. What's more is, cancer treatments can actually cause more harm such as is the case with surgical procedures, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Patients who have endured this type of trauma experience high levels of stress, anxiety, stress disorders that never completely dissipate even after a correct diagnosis is issued, and suffer with periods of depression. They also tend to have trust issues with medical professionals that cannot be repaired, which could lead to serious implications down the road should a real medical issue arise.

There is often a good amount of financial loss that is experienced as well; this can be for medical expenses for unnecessary treatments as well as to get personal affairs in order. On top of seeking compensation for the physical and psychological harm, that has been done, as well as pain and suffering, victims of false cancer diagnoses can also seek compensation for their financial hardships that were endured. These financial losses can be significant, so recouping this loss can go a long way toward completing a personal recovery.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Personal injury lawyers specialize in handling many different types of claims involving misdiagnoses, including those that have to do with false positive cancer diagnoses. Since most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, you pay nothing upfront to file your claim. This means that you do not have worry about how to fund your claim as it progresses through the legal system.

If you or someone you know has suffered in any way because of a false positive diagnosis of cancer, it is important to understand that you have legal rights, and they need to be upheld. The best way to go about this is to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Since different states have different laws governing how to file a claim, as well as how long you have to file a claim, time is most definitely of the essence. Attempting to file a claim on your own, without professional assistance could be a very costly mistake that could eliminate your chances of a favorable outcome.

You should not take chances with your future, or the future of your legal claim. You should also not continue to allow a medical professional who took an oath to "do no harm" to get away with this caliber of negligence. Taking swift action not only allows you to obtain the justice that you deserve, it also helps to protect others from having to undergo a similar fate. While mistakes happen, there are certain mistakes that could be and should be avoided at all costs. False positive diagnoses are one of those mistakes that should simply never happen.

Contacting a personal injury lawyer who specializes in the area of medical negligence and malpractice for assistance with your case may be one of the best decisions you ever make. These professionals will handle every aspect of your case from start to finish, so you do not have to worry about the details. All evidence is collected, and paperwork is filed on your behalf. Medical professionals have a number of lawyers working hard to protect them and their financial futures, and so should you.

For information on getting legal help for medical negligence visit http://www.feldmanshepherd.com/

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Claiming Compensation For A Misdiagnosis

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A lot of people fail to realise that medical negligence claims involve all sorts of cases, and misdiagnosis or wrong diagnosis is one of the most common types of negligence that is claimed for.

The misdiagnosis of symptoms or failure to diagnose a patient can lead to medical conditions becoming worse or in the worst cases, can be life-threatening. A delay in diagnosis or a misdiagnosis can deprive a patient of the medical treatment they need in order to help their condition.

A misdiagnosis can occur for a number of reasons - the medical professional may have made a genuine mistake, may not have had the adequate training, or might not have been giving their patient the full attention they deserved.

When you visit your GP with a medical problem, you are sent away with medication or referred to a specialist to get sorted. However, there are cases where patients have visited their GPs only to be told to stop being anxious as there are no serious problems only to discover later that they are seriously ill. Of course this is rare, but incidents like this do and can happen.

Examples of misdiagnosis, wrong diagnosis or failing to diagnose

Fractures

There have been previous cases where fractures have been dismissed as heavy bruising and the patients are sent away with an elastic bandage and pain killers. The patient then develops more severe pain so returns to the GP only to discover they do have a fracture and more damage has been caused as it should have been dealt with sooner. Some patients were required to have operations on fractures when they would not have previously had to if they had been properly diagnosed in the first place.

Cancer Misdiagnosis

Sometimes doctors will fail to diagnose a patient with cancer even if the patient has symptoms, or conversely the doctor will diagnose a patient with cancer when none is present.

If cancer is left untreated, it can spread, and treatments that might have worked originally, might not work if the cancer has become more aggressive. In cases where cancer is diagnosed by mistake, it can cause large amounts of stress and anxiety to the patient and to the patient's loved ones.

Medical malpractice is a sensitive issue and requires extensive knowledge of both the legal and medical fields. If you have experienced a misdiagnosis or wrong diagnosis, you should firstly seek help from the Citizen's Advice Bureau or Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) and find out what your next steps are. Going through this process can be traumatic and by visiting these charities you will be given guidance on counselling and support, and be steered in the right direction of a specialist negligence lawyer who will be able to help you find out whether it's worth making a claim for misdiagnosis negligence. To claim for compensation you will need to prove your condition would not have occurred or worsened if you had been referred to treatment straight away. The process can be long and tiresome but worth it in the long run not only to financially secure yourself in the future but also to raise awareness for others who are going through the same problems.

Clair O'Hara is writing on behalf of Pearson Hinchliffe, specialists in medical negligence compensation including medical negligence solicitors.

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Have You Had A Misdiagnosis of Vulva Cancer?

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Vulva cancer is a form of cancer that is located in the external area of the female genitalia. While this cancer is rare, it is usually found in women of an older age. The vulva is comprised of the opening to the vagina, the labia, the perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus), and the clitoris. Vulva cancer can affect any of these areas, but it is usually found in the labia.

It is estimated that the labia is affected in nearly seventy percent of all cases of vulva cancer. Another fifteen to twenty percent of cases affect the perineum, and an additional fifteen to twenty percent affect the clitoris. About five percent of cases have cancer that is found in more than just one particular area, and ten percent of all cases cannot have the origin of the cancer traced back to one spot. Vulva cancer does spread and can eventually affect areas such as the vagina, the anus, and the urethra.

The majority of types of vulva cancer are referred to as squamous cell carcinomas. Squamous cells are the most common types of cells found in the skin. This type of carcinoma usually begins in the area that surrounds the vagina, or the area found on the edges of the labia. Vulva cancer is a slow growing cancer and often starts as condition that is precancerous and is called dysplasia, or vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). This condition simply states that there are cells that are considered to be precancerous located in the layers of the skin.

Less commonly found forms of vulva caner include adenocarcinomas, melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, Paget's disease of the vulva, and tumors of the connective tissues. Melanoma is the second most common type of vulva cancer and is found in roughly five to ten percent of all cases. Adenocarcinomas form in the glands, such as those that are located close to the opening of the vagina and produce fluid and mucus for lubrication. Basal cell carcinoma is the most often located in areas of the body that are exposed to the sun, so this condition is not usually seen on the vulva. That being said, they can still appear anywhere there are skin cells, which include the vulva.

As mentioned above, vulva cancer usually affects women who are advanced in age, typically over the age of fifty. Most diagnoses are made in women between the ages of sixty five and seventy. Beside age alone, there are other risk factors for this type of cancer including: cervical cancer, having multiple sexual partners, vaginal inflammations, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Cancer of the vulva is a slow growing cancer that can be in the body for a number of years before any symptoms appear. When symptoms do finally become evident, they may include the following: swelling, pain, lumps, growths, soreness, burning, a mole that has changed shape or color, itching, bleeding or a discharge that is blood tinged, burning during urination, or thick raised red, dark, or white patches of skin.

Because the symptoms associated with early stages of vulva cancer are quite subtle, and can be attributed to a variety of less serious conditions, it is not uncommon that they are dismissed or ignored for a period of time. When proper testing or further investigating is not done, medical negligence may have occurred, and you may have grounds for a medical negligence lawsuit.

In order for a proper diagnosis to be made, a complete physical examination needs to be done, a check of the vulva using a magnifier should also be done, and blood tests or x-rays may be ordered as well. An examination of the internal reproductive organs, such as the cervix by means of a speculum may also be necessary. The doctor will most likely insist upon biopsying the area in order to collect samples of tissue to be sent off for examination in a laboratory setting under a microscope. Depending on what the preliminary tests, as well as the biopsy reveals, follow up tests such as an examination under anesthesia (commonly referred to as an EUA), a magnetic resonance imaging scan (commonly referred to as an MRI), a positron emission tomography scan (commonly referred to as a PET scan), or a computerized tomography scan (commonly referred to as a CT scan) may be ordered to check the lymph nodes for cancer.

If for any reason these tests are not ordered in a timely manner, the cancer could spread to other areas of the body which could cause the prognosis for a successful recovery to diminish. This is truly devastating for the patient because in many cases, this form of cancer is treatable. When a doctor does not act expeditiously and treat the patient's complaints seriously to rule out or in any more serious conditions, malpractice could have taken place, and a patient may be able to seek compensation for his or her damages.

Just as it is important to seek prompt medical attention for any condition you believe is serious, it is just as important to seek prompt legal help should you be the victim of medical negligence. Most states have strict statutes of limitations that must be adhered to in order to file a claim. Not knowing these statutes or not filing in time can reduce your chances of a favorable outcome, and may cause your case to be dismissed completely.

Hiring a personal injury attorney to assist you with your claim can remove a tremendous amount of worry. These professionals will review the details of your case, assess its validity, collect medical records, interview medical professionals, and file all legal paperwork on your behalf. Best of all, most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. Not having to worry about how to fund your claim will provide you with great peace of mind and the ability to focus on your personal recovery. You should not suffer in silence, and you should not hesitate to hold those responsible accountable.

For information on medical malpractice lawyers & attorneys, visit the Philadelphia law firm website FeldmanShepherd.com.

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How to Sue for Medical Misdiagnosis

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Your ability to sue a physician will be based on the circumstances related to your case, and a number of medical malpractice lawsuits are initiated because of misdiagnosis of a particular disease or condition. Such lawsuits are often related to appendicitis, heart attack, lung cancer, colorectal cancer or breast cancer.

Who can be sued

In addition to the primary care physician, any healthcare professional involved in your treatment or care can be sued, including nurses, specialists, the hospital, laboratories, hospital staff, medical practices of the surgeons, specialists, surgical staff, and the primary care physician. In most of these cases, the allegation of misdiagnosis is related to faulty diagnostic testing or a delayed diagnosis.

Misdiagnosis may also be the result of:

lack of screening for a specific medical condition,lack of referral to a specialist when indicated,faulty interpretation of laboratory tests, andignoring details provided by the patient.

A delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis can adversely affect a patient in many ways, such as:

Causing the patient to need aggressive treatment because the medical condition or disease was detected at a late stage;Exposing the patient to harmful medication that was not needed;Performing an unnecessary surgical procedure that left the patient disfigured in some way;Increasing the possibility of complications or death with the misdiagnosis.

Note that the statute of limitations, as it applies in a medical malpractice misdiagnosis case, depends on the laws of the state where the case is filed. In certain jurisdictions, the statute of limitations may not apply until the injury is discovered, and in others, it starts to run on the day the misdiagnosis actually occurred. A great deal also depends on the detailed allegations of the patient's lawsuit.

Proving a misdiagnosis case

Although laws vary from one state to another, if you allege that a physician has made a misdiagnosis and is guilty of medical malpractice, you must be able to prove that your doctor failed to follow the usual standard of care adhered to by healthcare professionals in his/her jurisdiction.

Seeking legal counsel when a misdiagnosis is made

Suing a physician for medical malpractice is a detailed, complex process. With this in mind, you will want to consult with a qualified medical malpractice attorney. When you do, your lawyer will analyze the details of your case, develop a legal strategy, and represent you during settlement negotiations, or at trial, if that becomes necessary.

Peter Wendt is a writer and researcher specializing in malpractice attorney Philadelphia. For readers who are interested in learning more about this subject, Peter recommends they check out ML-Law.net.

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