Ovarian Cancer Negligence
March 5, 2021
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women. Some of the main symptoms include feeling constantly bloated, stomach pain, feeling full quickly when eating, and swelling in the stomach. The most common way to diagnose ovarian cancer is through the use of smear tests. If there is any error in the reading of the smear test results this can be an example of ovarian cancer negligence.
The cause of ovarian cancer is largely unknown, but there are some things that can make a woman more at risk. These include being over 50, being overweight, a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, smoking, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), exposure to asbestos, and conditions such as Endometriosis.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment
The main treatments for ovarian cancer include surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible. This can include removing one or both of the ovaries, womb and fallopian tubes. After surgery, the other treatment for ovarian cancer is chemotherapy. Usually patients have chemotherapy after surgery to kill any remaining cancer. However, it is sometimes used before surgery to shrink the cancer.
The earlier ovarian cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of a cure. But often it’s not recognised until it’s already spread and a cure is not possible.
Even after successful treatment, there’s a high chance the cancer will come back within the next few years. If it does come back, it cannot usually be cured. But chemotherapy may help reduce the symptoms and keep the cancer under control for several months or years.
Overall, around half of women with ovarian cancer will live for at least 5 years after diagnosis, and about 1 in 3 will live at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK has more information about the survival statistics for ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Negligence
Cancer negligence can take several forms including cancer misdiagnosis and delayed cancer diagnosis. Both instances of clinical neglect could lead to a patient requiring a more aggressive type of treatment. Certainly more than would have been necessary if they identify the disease earlier. It can also shorten their life expectancy. No one wants bad news about their future due to someone else’s mistake.
Examples of cancer negligence include:
- Not requesting scans or other tests when symptoms indicate cancer could be present
- Misinterpreting scans, smears, or different test results
- Losing test results and delaying obtaining new samples
- Incorrect or inappropriate treatment, including issues with chemotherapy and other medication
Oncology negligence can also extend to the mismanagement of a patient’s treatment. That includes: prescribing or dispensing medication incorrectly, or not informing a patient about types of treatment available.
How We Can Help
Here at The Medical Negligence Experts we work with solicitors who have years of experience dealing with all manner of medical negligence claims. This includes cancer negligence. Contact us by filling in our contact form, or by calling us on 01614138761 to speak to one of our friendly knowledgeable advisors.