Esophageal Cancer occurs in the tube that connects
the throat to the stomach. There are symptoms and risk factors
for esophagus cancer that should be recognized by a competent doctor.
When a doctor fails to identify a patient with a high risk factor
or fails to recognise the symptoms or does not properly screen
and examine the patient then he may be guilty of medical malpractice.
Symptoms may include:
Difficult or painful swallowing.
Severe weight loss.
Pain in the throat or back, behind the breastbone or between the
shoulder blades.
Hoarseness or chronic cough.
Vomiting.
Coughing up blood.
Diagnosis usually follows consideration of the
patients medical history and after physical examination which may
include the following tests:
Barium swallow which is a series of x-rays taken
after the patient drinks a liquid containing barium which is radio
opaque.
Esophagoscopy which is an examination using a thin lighted tube
called an endoscope. If an abnormal area is found, the doctor can
collect cells and tissue through the endoscope for examination
under a microscope.
The exact causes of this cancer are not known
however there are recognised factors that can increase the risk
of developing esophagus cancer:
Esophageal cancer is more likely to occur in people
over the age of 60.
This cancer is more common in men than in women.
Smoking cigarettes is a major risk factor.
Chronic or heavy use of alcohol is a major risk factor.
Long-term irritation of the esophagus can increase the risk.
Patients who have had other head and neck cancers have increased
risk.
This cancer is particularly serious, because it
can be well established before it is detected. It is most common
in men over the age of 60 and is often, though not necessarily,
associated with tobacco smoking and heavy drinking. People who
suffer from hiatus hernia or who have worked with metal dust including
pipe fitters, plumbers, welders and sheet metal workers are at
increased risk of contracting esophageal cancer.
Clinical advances have resulted in the possibility
to prevent, treat or cure many types of esophagus cancer and even
if a cure is not possible then the quality of life can be dramatically
improved. The key to successful treatment is usually early diagnosis
and if a health care professional has failed through their negligence
to diagnose the illness in a timely manner then compensation may
be payable for the worsening of the illness. Early diagnosis can
mean less pain, less suffering, less financial hardship and a greater
chance of survival.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to Cancer Malpractice,
whether it be Breast Cancer, Cervical
Cancer, Colon Cancer, Esophageal
Cancer, Lung Cancer, Ovarian
Cancer, Prostate Cancer, or Stomach
Cancer, contact The Rasansky
Law Firm today to have your Cancer
Malpractice Claim evaluated at no cost to you.
