Sunday, May 31, 2009

How Misdiagnosis of Cervical Cancer Occurs

By Valerie Shinus

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.

Victims of misdiagnosis can have their case evaluated by a medical malpractice lawyer. Lawyers offer a free evaluation to determine whether there is a misdiagnosis of cervical cancer case.

How Cervical Cancer Is Diagnosed

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.

The following diagnostic tests are used:

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 - a specialized instrument is used to scrape tissue lining the endocervical canal, an area the doctor cannot reach with the colposcope

Cone biopsy - removing a piece of 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.

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

*Full patient history is not obtain. This would include information on such risk factors as HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)

*Misinterpreted Lab results

*Patient lab results mixed up with those of another patient due to a laboratory error

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 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.

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.

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