Failure to Diagnose Colon Cancer
In the United states, Colon Cancer, also known as Colorectal Cancer, is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in both men and women. Over 130,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Since early stages of the disease usually show no symptoms, it is important that physicians properly evaluate all signs or symptoms that may indicate the possibility of Colon Cancer. If a doctor fails to do so, the stage of cancer can advance and spread which can affect treatment options and survival rates. Colon cancer malpractice may include instances of the following:
- failure to diagnose
- misdiagnosis
- late treatment
If a patient's health deteriorates as the result of medical malpractice, a patient may be able to seek compensation for medical costs, loss of wages and pain and suffering due to the negligence of a medical professional, medical facility or hospital.
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is a disease in which malignant cancer cells strike the colon. The colon is the part of the body's digestive system that removes and processes nutrients from foods and helps pass waste materials out of the body.
Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Most people afflicted with early stages of Colon Cancer show no signs or symptoms of the disease. Symptoms will develop with more advanced stages of the disease. Thus it is important to bring any suspicious signs or symptoms to the attention of a physician in order to be properly diagnosed. A complete medical history, a physical exam and tests can help determine whether or not colon cancer has developed.
Possible signs of Colon Cancer include:
- a change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days
- a feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so
- bleeding of the rectum
- blood in the stool
- cramping or steady pains in the stomach
- weakness and fatigue
While the above symptoms may indicate other conditions, such as infection, hemorrhoids, and inflammatory bowel disease, it can also be evidence of colon cancer.
Tests to Determine a Proper Diagnosis of Colon Cancer
sigmoidoscopy (a procedure to examine the inside of the rectum and sigmoid (lower) colon for polyps, abnormal areas, or cancer)
- colonoscopy (a procedure to examine the inside of the rectum and colon for polyps, abnormal areas, or cancer)
- digital rectal exam
- barium enema
- fecal blood test to check the stool for blood
- biopsy to remove and examine cells or tissues for evidence of cancer
Risk Factors for Colon Cancer
A patient's age and health background can put them at risk for developing Colon Cancer. Some of these risk factors include:
- 50 years old or older
- family history of cancer of the colon or rectum
- personal history of cancer of the colon, rectum, ovary, endometrium, or breast
- history of polyps in the colon
- enlarged polyps in the colon
- history of ulcerative colitis (ulcers in the lining of the large intestine)
- history of Crohn's disease
- certain hereditary conditions
Legal Help for Colon Cancer Malpractice victims
If you, a family member or a friend were improperly diagnosed or treated for colon cancer due to the medical malpractice of a hospital, doctor, or medical facility, contact a colon cancer malpractice lawyer at the Finz firm now toll free at (855) TOP-FIRM to speak with an experienced colon cancer malpractice lawyer or simply fill out the Free Colon Cancer Malpractice Case Evaluation form.
