Cervical Cancer Malpractice

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, thanks to regular screenings like Pap smears and HPV tests. However, the consequences can be dire when healthcare providers fail to administer or properly interpret these tests. A delayed or missed cervical cancer diagnosis often leads to more advanced disease stages, requiring intensive treatment and putting the patient’s life at greater risk. This kind of oversight can leave families grappling with not only emotional pain but significant financial burdens from treatments that could have been avoided.

If you or someone you love has experienced a delayed cervical cancer diagnosis, Foran & Foran’s experienced medical malpractice attorneys in Prince George’s County are ready to advocate on your behalf. Our team will investigate how the negligence occurred, build a strong case, and pursue the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Let us help you fight for justice—contact us today to learn more.

Cervical cancer has a high survival rate when detected early, with a five-year survival rate of around 92% for localized cancers. However, this rate drops significantly if the cancer spreads beyond the cervix. Delays in diagnosis often result in the tumor progressing to more advanced stages, where treatment becomes more difficult and invasive, such as requiring radiation, chemotherapy, or a hysterectomy.

In medical malpractice cases involving cervical cancer, the most common issue is a delay in diagnosis. According to studies, delays in diagnosing cervical cancer are among the leading causes of malpractice claims involving gynecologists and other healthcare providers. Delayed diagnosis can lead to more aggressive and costly treatments, as well as a reduced chance of survival for the patient.

Several key errors can lead to malpractice in cervical cancer cases. These mistakes are often preventable but can have devastating consequences when they occur.

• Failure to perform routine screenings. Pap smears and HPV tests are essential tools in detecting cervical cancer early. When healthcare providers fail to recommend these screenings to women at appropriate intervals, patients may miss the chance for early detection.
• Improper interpretation of results. Even when screenings are conducted, misinterpretation of Pap smear, HPV test results, or ultrasounds can lead to delayed diagnosis. In some cases, abnormal cells may be present, but the healthcare provider might fail to recognize them.
• Failure to refer to a specialist. When a patient presents with symptoms of cervical cancer, such as abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain, physicians are expected to refer them to specialists for further evaluation. Failing to do so may delay diagnosis and treatment.
• Neglecting to follow up on abnormal results. In some instances, healthcare providers may receive abnormal test results but fail to notify the patient or recommend further diagnostic procedures.

Each of these mistakes can lead to the cancer progressing to more advanced stages, requiring more invasive treatment and reducing the chances of a full recovery.

When cervical cancer is not caught early, patients may face a range of complications, including:

• Invasive treatments. Advanced cervical cancer often requires aggressive treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and radical surgery, such as a hysterectomy, which can significantly impact a patient’s fertility and quality of life.
• Metastasis. If the cancer is not diagnosed early, it can spread to other organs, such as the bladder, intestines, or lungs, making treatment more difficult and reducing the likelihood of a successful outcome.
• Increased mortality risk: Cervical cancer that is diagnosed at a later stage has a much lower survival rate, making timely detection and treatment crucial.

These complications affect the patient’s physical health as well as their emotional and financial well-being, as they often require long-term medical care, time away from work, and significant medical expenses.

In Maryland, healthcare providers who fail to diagnose or treat cervical cancer properly may be held liable for medical malpractice. To establish liability, the patient must prove that the provider’s negligence directly led to harm. This can include failing to order appropriate tests, misreading test results, or failing to refer the patient to a specialist.

In many cervical cancer malpractice cases, expert testimony from other medical professionals is required to demonstrate that the healthcare provider’s actions deviated from accepted medical standards. The Prince George’s County medical malpractice attorneys at Foran & Foran are experienced in handling these complex cases and will work to gather the necessary evidence to support your personal injury or medical malpractice wrongful death claim.

A failure to diagnose cancer, especially cervical cancer, can lead to devastating consequences and missed opportunities for early treatment. At Foran & Foran, we are committed to helping victims of oncologist malpractice pursue justice. With over 85 years of combined experience and a history of successful verdicts and settlements, our compassionate team provides the skilled representation you deserve. Our contingency fee structure means you only pay if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, give Foran & Foran's Prince George's County medical malpractice lawyers a call at 301-441-2022. We proudly represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville, and the surrounding areas.