Understanding the Misdiagnosis of Cervical Cancer

When the lower part of a women’s uterus or the cervix is affected by cancer it is known as cervical cancer and it is diagnosed in over 11,000 women in the United States each year. When diagnosed early, cervical cancer can be treated successfully. A reduced survival rate and even death may result from a misdiagnosis of cervical cancer and the delay in treatment.

Victims of cervical cancer misdiagnosis can be represented by attorneys. Contact a law firm for a free claim evaluation and to speak with a medical malpractice attorney.

How Cervical Cancer Is Diagnosed

Women who are sexually active should receive regular Pap smears. Though not a diagnostic test, a pap smear may be used to identify cells that are not normal. If the cells are abnormal, further testing to make a positive diagnosis will be ordered by the physician. Diagnostic tests may include:

• Colposcopy – the doctor uses an instrument called a colposcope to look at the cervix and see more clearly areas of abnormal cell growth
• Biopsy – a sample of abnormal tissue is taken from the cervix for testing
• Endocervical scraping – a specialized instrument is used to scrape tissue lining the endocervical canal, an area the doctor cannot reach with the colposcope
• Cone biopsy – a cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the cervix

Failure to administer diagnostic tests or to interpret the results properly can postpone effective treatment options and have devastating consequences for the patient.

How Misdiagnosis of Cervical Cancer Occurs

A misdiagnosis of cervical cancer may occur because:

• The doctor fails to recognize symptoms of cervical cancer, thereby failing to perform the tests necessary for diagnosis
• The doctor fails to obtain a full patient history, which is important for identifying risk factors such as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
• Lab results are misinterpreted
• A laboratory error causes the patient’s results to be confused with another patient’s

Misdiagnosis can take several forms, including delayed diagnosis, missed diagnosis, and wrong diagnosis. Each of these misdiagnoses will carry particular consequences. A patient diagnosed with cervical cancer but who does not have cancer will suffer unnecessary and painful treatments. An individual whose cancer was not diagnosed at all may not receive the necessary treatments for survival.

Have You Been Misdiagnosed

Victims of a cervical cancer misdiagnosis can take legal action to hold the negligent party(s) accountable. Depending on the facts of the case, a person may be able to obtain compensation for losses related to medical care, pain and suffering both physical and emotional.

To learn more about your legal rights if you have been misdiagnosed, contact a medical attorney today. The attorneys will evaluate your case, answer any legal questions and make sure you are informed of your legal rights.

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