Can Uterine Cancer Be Misdiagnosed?
No one ever wants to hear that they have cancer, but they especially never want to hear that it was originally misdiagnosed. As with the majority of medical conditions, cancer has a higher survival rate the earlier it is caught. If your uterine cancer was misdiagnosed or if you received a delayed diagnosis, you may be wondering what your options for compensation are. More importantly, you want to know how uterine cancer can be misdiagnosed in the first place.
Read more: When Is A Missed Diagnosis Medical Malpractice?
What is Uterine Cancer?
Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the uterus. It is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States, afflicting more than 65,000 people each year.
There are two common types of uterine cancer: endometrial cancer, the most common form of uterine cancer which develops in the lining of the uterus and uterine sarcoma, which develops in the muscle wall of the uterus. Uterine sarcoma is typically rare and found in only about 10% of all uterine cancer cases, however, it is often more aggressive than the other types of uterine cancer.
Symptoms of Uterine Cancer
The most common symptoms of uterine cancer include:
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Difficulty going to the bathroom
- Experiencing pain during sex
- Feeling pressure or pain in your abdomen
However, it’s these symptoms that often result in a delayed or misdiagnosis. For example, the symptoms for uterine fibroids including pain and pressure in the abdomen and difficulty going to the bathroom. Likewise, the symptoms for pelvic inflammatory disease include pain during sex, abdominal pain and unusual vaginal discharge.
This is why it’s so important to be aware of the risk factors associated with developing uterine cancer. For example, women who have never been pregnant or been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome or infertility are all at an increased risk of developing uterine cancer later on in life.
How is Uterine Cancer Usually Diagnosed?
Unfortunately, there is standard screening tests for uterine cancer, but doctors may use the following tests to help look for uterine cancer:
- A pelvic exam during a routine gynecological visit
- A transvaginal ultrasound
- An endometrial biopsy or dilation and curettage, a procedure in which tissue is extracted from inside the uterus
If signs of uterine cancer are present, your doctor will order a biopsy to determine the type of uterine cancer it is and then order the necessary imaging such as an CT scan or X-ray to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
If your doctor failed to order additional tests or failed to take a proper intake of your medical history that showed you were at a higher risk of developing uterine cancer, you may have the basis to pursue a medical malpractice claim.
Read more: Medical Malpractice & The Discovery Of Harm Rule
Contact A Medical Malpractice Attorney for a Consultation About Your Uterine Cancer Misdiagnosis Case in Pennsylvania
Was your uterine cancer misdiagnosed in Pennsylvania? Then you need to talk to an experienced medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible for guidance on how to proceed. The Pittsburgh cancer misdiagnosis attorneys at Berger & Lagnese, LLC are prepared to assist you with your legal claim. We represent victims of negligent surgeons, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists throughout Pennsylvania, including Indiana, New Castle, Uniontown, and Washington. Call us today at (412) 471-4300 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. Our main office is located at 310 Grant St., Suite 720, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.