Proper Diagnosis Means Better Outcomes For Stage 1 Cancer

Learning that you have cancer is life changing. Imagine your situation if you do not learn about it because of negligence by health care providers. As time passes without essential medical treatment, cancerous cells take over at their point of origin and begin to spread to other parts of the body. The Mayo Clinic in Florida describes cancer staging as the process by which cancer advances. Stage 4 is the most serious, in which treatment options and chances for a full recovery diminish. Therefore, catching cancer at the earliest stages is critical.

Fortunately, due to innovations and advancements in medical technology, several common cancers are treatable at Stage 1. It is at this point that surgery is most effective to remove the cancerous cells and prevent them from spreading. Errors remove this potentially life-saving treatment. Consult with a Miami malpractice attorney if you have concerns about how a failure to diagnose cancer caused harm, and read on for some important information.

Diagnosis and Prognosis for Stage 1 Cancers

Getting a proper diagnosis for Stage 1 cancer often leads to better patient outcomes with:

• Breast Cancer: At Stage 1, a tumor measures about the size of a fingertip and has begun to affect surrounding breast tissue. Because cancer has not begun to spread into lymph nodes, it is still possible to extract it through surgery.
• Prostate Cancer: A tumor on the prostate that has not spread to the other side of the gland or the lymph nodes is classified as Stage 1. These cancers tend to grow slowly, so the window for surgery is open for longer. At the same time, the rate of development can make prostate cancer difficult to diagnose.
• Lung Cancer: The most common form of the disease is non-small cell lung cancer, and the implications remain contained within the lungs at Stage 1. There are effects on lung tissue, but cancer has not entered the lymphatic system.
• Colorectal Cancer: In Stage 1, cancerous cells may have invaded the intestinal wall and penetrated through several layers. Colon and related cancers that have not spread to the lymph system or metastasized are often treatable through surgery.

Steps in the Legal Process

Being a type of medical malpractice, a claim based upon the failure to diagnose cancer is subject to detailed legal requirements. The initial steps involve in-depth, thorough investigation, along with input from a medical professional who can attest that you have a reasonable chance of prevailing. The investigation is typically followed by negotiations with an insurance company to resolve your case by agreement. If the insurer will not pay fair compensation, it will be necessary to go file a law suit.

A Florida Med Mal Lawyer Can Advise You on Failure to Diagnose Cancer Claims

For more information on your rights and remedies after a cancer misdiagnosis, please contact Freidin Brown, P.A. to speak to a member of our team. We are happy to schedule a complimentary case review at our offices in Miami or Fort Myers, FL.

Source:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370594#:~:text=Staging%20tests%20and%20procedures%20may,indicate%20a%20more%2Dadvanced%20cancer.