When patients seek out medical help, they trust that their doctors will take the necessary steps to determine the cause of their symptoms. That treatment by healthcare providers should be within the “standard of care.” When a doctor or other healthcare provider fails to order, or ignores/misinterprets the results of a test to diagnose something as serious as pancreatic cancer, it can lead to incorrect or delayed treatment. Failures such as this can make a significant difference in a patient’s prognosis. Failing to diagnose pancreatic cancer in a timely fashion can lead to fewer treatment options and a worsened prognosis (chance of survival).
Early diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer are critical for survival.
Some of the symptoms healthcare providers can look for include but are not limited to:
Jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, itchy skin, light-colored stools, abdominal pain, weight loss, blood clots, gallbladder enlargement, digestive problems and fatty tissue abnormalities.
There are a number of different tests that can be utilized to help diagnose pancreatic cancer. Imaging studies such as x-rays, MRIs and CT scans can be used to look for suspect pancreatic lesions; and may help determine if surgery is a viable treatment option. Blood tests can also be used to help diagnose pancreatic cancer.
If you or a loved one has suffered because of a failure to diagnose pancreatic cancer, you may be entitled to compensation. Failure to detect and treat cancer in a timely and accurate manner is a form of medical malpractice that can have significant consequences for patients.
If you believe you have suffered as a result of cancer misdiagnosis or untimely diagnosis, it is important that you contact a New Jersey law firm that has experience handling these types of cases. A knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer at Blume Forte can help protect your rights and assist you in pursuing fair compensation for your and your family’s significant losses.