According to the U.S. Centers Statistics Working Group’s report United States Cancer Statistics 1999-2013 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report There were 11,955 women who were diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States in 2013.
Fortunately, this serious medical condition can be detected and often successfully treated in its early stages.
Unfortunately, if tests and lab reports are not rigorously studied, a lab technician may miss the signs and warnings of cervical cancer, resulting in avoidable painful and drawn-out treatment regiments, disability, and even death.
Because of the seriousness of this disease, women and their families who are victims of advanced cervical cancer will often turn to West Palm Beach cervical cancer medical malpractice lawyers to discuss their cases. Palm Beach Gardens medical malpractice lawyers understand the seriousness of cervical cancer and understand how a missed diagnosis can change your life. En Español.
Early Detection and Treatment is Key
Women who are diagnosed with early stage cervical cancer have a significantly better prognosis and treatment plan. One of the most effective tools for detecting cervical cancer is the Papanicolaou (Pap) smear, which was introduced in the 1950’s.
This simple test requires taking a sample of cervical cells and examining them under a microscope to detect abnormalities in the cells.
Because of the effectiveness of this test, along with other approved treatment and detection methods, the National Institutes of Health estimate that the rate and incidence of cervical cancer will continue to decline in the coming years.
However, that does not mean that women and their families in Palm Beach Gardens do not face the risk of cervical cancer and a misdiagnosis.
Missed Cervical Cancer Diagnosis
A doctor or medical professional who fails to detect and report abnormalities in lab reports and tests can place women at a significant risk of developing advanced stages of cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is diagnosed when abnormal cells develop in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. The most common type of cervical cancer develops in the mucous tissues on the surface of the cervix and is known as squamous cell.
Fortunately, squamous cell cervical cancer in its early stages can be treated and cured by a doctor by removing the cells from the cervical tissues.
However, if a doctor or a routine lab misses or fails to detect precancerous cells on a Pap smear slide, cervical cancer can spread throughout the uterus and the cervix. Other issues that can result in the need for a West Palm Beach cervical cancer attorney include:
- Lab errors and Pap smear slide reading errors conducted by overworked lab technicians and pathologists
- Improper training or inadequate biopsy of the cervix and or the uterus, resulting in infertility
- Misreading biopsy specimens
- Improperly using Pap smears as a cervical cancer diagnostic tool rather than as its intended use as a screening test
- Improper or inadequate training and Pap smear technique by a primary care doctor or gynecologist
Missed cervical cancer diagnoses result in medical negligence lawsuits because often there were signs of precancerous cells in the past that were not reported to the patient. When a lab or doctor detects precancerous cells in a Pap smear, they are required to review records for the past five years to determine if any other test showed abnormal cells. Unfortunately, except under rare conditions are labs and doctors required to disclose their findings to the patient.
Hiring a Cervical Cancer Attorney
If you or a loved one is suffering from cervical cancer due to a doctor’s misdiagnosis or a lab’s incorrectly read Pap smear, contact our West Palm Beach cervical cancer medical malpractice lawyers today, to see how we can help you.
Speak to a member of our team today.
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