Breast Cancer – Delay in Diagnosis
Breast cancer is often curable if caught early. Any lump in the breast that is new, or any lump in the breast that is a “dominant” lump (meaning, in the setting of fibrocystic breast disease, or “lumpy” breasts, a lump which is new, larger, or otherwise different from any other lump in the breasts) must be evaluated for the presence of cancer. In most cases, a solid mass should be removed, or a portion of it removed, as with a “needle biopsy”, and examined microscopically by a pathologist to determine if it is malignant (cancerous) or benign. An area of the breast that has a different and usually firm consistency, even though its borders may not be well-defined, should likewise be evaluated. Cysts in the breast may be aspirated (drained with a needle and syringe) but if a mass persists after aspiration, this should be evaluated like any other breast lump.
If a breast lump is not promptly evaluated and a breast cancer is allowed to remain in the breast untreated for a prolonged period of time, the lump itself (the “primary” lump) slowly enlarges, and eventually cancer cells separate from the primary lump and spread through blood and lymph vessels to lymph nodes, often first in the armpit, and then to distant organs. With enlargement of the primary lump and spread of cancer cells (metastasis), the treatment required becomes more extensive, and the chance of survival decreases.
Malpractice in managing breast lumps is alarmingly common. Doctors often advise women that they have “plugged milk ducts”. To a woman who may be really worried about finding a breast lump, this is reassuring, often resulting in the woman not re-examining herself for a long time. When she does, the lump has often greatly enlarged.
In consultation with with surgeons and cancer specialists (oncologists), and radiologists, who thoroughly review of medical records and imaging studies, including mammograms, the lawyers at Sweeney Law Firm will work with medical specialists to determine whether or not diagnosis and treatment was done correctly and in a timely fashion, and whether or not malpractice occurred. We will also consult with medical specialists on the issue of whether the malpractice adversely effected treatment requirements and/or chances of survival. If we are able to prove malpractice, the Sweeney Law Firm may be able to recover money damages to help pay for medical expresses, rehabilitation expenses, lost income and other expenses, was well as damages to compensate you and your family for the emotional and physical pain and suffering and other damages which may result in these cases.
Call the Sweeney Law Firm at 260-420-3137 or toll free at 1-866-793-6339. Get answers to your questions. Learn your legal rights. There is no cost or obligation for us to evaluate your case.
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