Lung Cancer is usually diagnosed by a biopsy which
is the removal of a small sample of tissue for examination under
a microscope by a pathologist. A number of procedures may be used
to obtain this tissue:
A hypodermic needle is inserted into the tumour through the chest
wall to remove a tissue sample.
A bronchoscope is inserted through the mouth or
nose and into the windpipe to look at the lungs and collect small
samples of tissue.
Laparoscopy techniques can be used to obtain a
tissue sample.
A small amount of the fluid that surrounds the
lungs can removed using a hypodermic needle.
Other tests can be used to determine the extent
of the lung cancer including:
Mediastinoscopy which can determine whether cancer
has spread to the lymph nodes in the chest.
Radionuclide scanning which can show whether cancer has spread
to other organs, such as the liver.
MRI, CAT or CT scan.
The usual key to successful treatment is early
diagnosis and many medical mistakes can lead to a delay in diagnosis
which may deprive patients of the chance for a cure. If health
care professionals fail through their negligence to diagnose this
illness in a timely manner then they may become liable to pay settlements
to their victims. Delays in diagnosis may cause a worsening of
the illness and are often as a result of
Failure to refer to a patient who exhibits typical
symptoms to a specialist
Failure to have a biopsy performed when the physical examination
results are abnormal
Failure to make arrangements to carry out the appropriate tests
when a patient exhibits symptoms
Failure to take appropriate action following receipt of an unfavorable
biopsy results
Failing to monitor patients with cancer in the family
Failure to recommend appropriate treatment options
Lost records, notes and test results
There is a well documented increased in the incidence
in individuals who are exposed to asbestos fibers.
While cigarette smoking is the most well known cause, asbestos
is recognized as a potent lung carcinogen particularly when combined
with cigarette smoking. Studies have revealed that when both asbestos
fibers and cigarette smoke are inhaled, there is a synergistic
effect which multiplies the risk of each carcinogen. It is estimated
that smokers who are also exposed to asbestos have seven times
more chance of contracting cancer of the lungs.
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.
