Delayed Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer

Delayed Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer: What You Need to Know and Your Legal Options

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach that plays an essential role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. The pancreas has two main types of cells: exocrine cells, which produce digestive enzymes, and endocrine cells, which produce hormones like insulin. The most common type of pancreatic cancer, accounting for about 95% of cases, is pancreatic adenocarcinoma, which arises in the exocrine cells. Less common are neuroendocrine tumors, which develop in the hormone-producing cells.

Prevalence of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2024, about 64,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed, and approximately 51,000 people will die from the disease. Despite being relatively rare compared to other cancers, the prognosis for pancreatic cancer is often poor, with a five-year survival rate of only about 11%.

Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer Can Include:

1. Age: The risk of pancreatic cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in people over 65.
2. Smoking: Tobacco use is one of the most significant risk factors, with smokers being twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer compared to non-smokers.
3. Chronic Pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas, often due to heavy alcohol use or hereditary conditions, can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
4. Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes, particularly when newly diagnosed or long-standing, has been associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
5. Obesity: Being overweight or obese is linked to a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer, particularly in people with abdominal obesity.
6. Family History and Genetic Syndromes: Having a family history of pancreatic cancer or certain inherited genetic mutations (such as BRCA2, Lynch syndrome, or familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome) significantly increases the risk.
7. Diet: A diet high in red and processed meats, fried foods, and sugary beverages has been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, while a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may offer some protection.
8. Exposure to Certain Chemicals: Occupational exposure to certain chemicals used in the dry-cleaning and metalworking industries may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
9. Chronic Liver Disease: Conditions like cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis may be associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer.
10. Helicobacter pylori Infection: Some studies suggest that chronic infection with this bacterium, which is also a risk factor for stomach cancer, might increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
11. Alcohol Consumption: Heavy alcohol use can lead to chronic pancreatitis, which in turn increases the risk of pancreatic cancer.
12. Gender: Men are slightly more likely than women to develop pancreatic cancer, possibly due to higher rates of smoking and alcohol use.
13. Ethnicity: African Americans have a slightly higher risk of pancreatic cancer compared to other racial and ethnic groups, which may be due to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors.

Understanding these risk factors can help with early detection and preventive measures.

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer vary depending on the location of the tumor within the pancreas and whether it has spread. Common symptoms include:

• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, which occurs when a tumor blocks the bile duct.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without trying is a common sign of advanced pancreatic cancer.
• Abdominal or Back Pain: Pain may occur as the tumor presses on nearby organs or nerves.
• Loss of Appetite: Many patients experience a decreased appetite and early satiety (feeling full quickly).
• Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms can occur if the cancer obstructs parts of the digestive tract.
• New-Onset Diabetes: In some cases, pancreatic cancer may cause changes in blood sugar levels, leading to diabetes.

These symptoms can be vague and non-specific, often leading to delays in diagnosis as they may be mistaken for other, less serious conditions.

How is Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer typically involves a combination of imaging studies, blood tests, and biopsies:

• Imaging Studies: An abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI is often the first step in detecting a pancreatic mass. An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) allows for a closer examination and can also be used to guide a biopsy.
• Blood Tests: CA 19-9 is a tumor marker that may be elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer. However, it is not definitive, as it can also be elevated in other conditions.
• Biopsy: A tissue sample, usually obtained via EUS or percutaneous needle biopsy, is examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

Because early-stage pancreatic cancer often causes no symptoms, it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, highlighting the importance of timely and accurate diagnostic procedures.

How is Pancreatic Cancer Treated?

Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the patient’s overall health, and the specific characteristics of the tumor:

• Surgery: Surgical options include the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy), which is the most common surgery for tumors in the head of the pancreas. Distal pancreatectomy is performed for tumors in the body and tail of the pancreas. Total pancreatectomy involves removing the entire pancreas.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is often used before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink tumors or after surgery (adjuvant therapy) to kill any remaining cancer cells. It is also the primary treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation may be used in conjunction with chemotherapy to reduce tumor size and relieve symptoms, particularly in patients who are not candidates for surgery.
• Targeted Therapy: Drugs like erlotinib target specific mutations within pancreatic cancer cells, potentially slowing their growth. These therapies are typically used in combination with chemotherapy.
• Immunotherapy: For certain types of pancreatic cancer, immunotherapy may be an option, particularly for tumors with specific genetic mutations that make them more responsive to this approach.

What Happens if Pancreatic Cancer is Not Treated Early?

If pancreatic cancer is not diagnosed and treated early, it often progresses rapidly and becomes more difficult to treat. The cancer may invade nearby organs such as the stomach, liver, or intestines, or spread to distant sites like the lungs and bones. Advanced pancreatic cancer can lead to severe pain, malnutrition, liver failure, and other life-threatening complications. Unfortunately, by the time many patients are diagnosed, the cancer is already in an advanced stage, where treatment options are limited, and the focus may shift to palliative care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

When is a Delay in Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer Due to Medical Negligence?

A delay in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer may constitute medical negligence if it can be demonstrated that a healthcare provider failed to adhere to the standard of care expected in their profession. Examples of potential negligence include:

• Ignoring or dismissing early symptoms or risk factors for pancreatic cancer, such as unexplained weight loss or new-onset diabetes.
• Failing to order appropriate diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies or CA 19-9 blood tests, when symptoms suggest the possibility of pancreatic cancer.
• Misinterpreting diagnostic test results or failing to follow up on abnormal findings.
• Delaying referral to a specialist when pancreatic cancer is suspected.

A delay in diagnosis can have devastating consequences, allowing the cancer to progress to a more advanced stage where treatment is less likely to be effective.

What Are a Patient’s Options After a Delayed Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer Due to Medical Negligence?

If you or a loved one has experienced a delayed diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, you may have legal options to pursue compensation for the harm caused. Consulting with an experienced medical malpractice attorney is crucial to understanding your rights and the potential value of your claim. If negligence is proven, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including costs for additional treatments that could have been avoided with earlier diagnosis.
• Pain and suffering, covering the physical and emotional toll of living with an advanced-stage cancer.
• Loss of income and diminished earning capacity if the delay in diagnosis impacts your ability to work.
• Loss of consortium or companionship, if the delay in diagnosis has negatively affected your relationships.

Malpractice Settlements for Delayed Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer from Across the Country

$1.8 million settlement. A 69-year-old man died from pancreatic cancer after his physician failed to respond to significantly elevated CA 19-9 tumor marker levels in January 2018. The delayed diagnosis and treatment resulted in the cancer becoming borderline resectable by April 2019. Despite aggressive treatment, the patient died in January 2020. The plaintiff alleged medical malpractice, arguing that timely intervention could have improved the patient’s survival chances.

$1 million settlement.  A 60-year-old man died of pancreatic cancer in 2010, and the plaintiff claimed that a radiologist failed to report a 4-5 mm lesion on an abdominal CT scan in April 2006. The lesion, which later grew to 4.9 x 3.5 cm by February 2007, was allegedly overlooked, delaying diagnosis and treatment by 10 months. The plaintiff argued this delay led to the man’s premature death, while the defendant contended the outcome would have been the same regardless of the timing.

$300,000 verdict. A Pennsylvania jury found in favor of the plaintiffs for the wrongful death of a 66-year-old man who died from pancreatic cancer. The patient had visited the emergency department multiple times with severe back and abdominal pain, but the attending radiologist failed to detect a pancreatic tumor in an initial CT scan, diagnosing the issue as a simple back strain. Over a year later, the patient was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver. The plaintiffs argued that earlier detection could have led to life-saving treatment, while the defense claimed that the earlier detection would not have changed the outcome due to the patient’s existing health issues.

How Can the Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Lupetin & Unatin Help?

At Lupetin & Unatin, our skilled Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyers understand the profound impact that a delayed diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can have on patients and their families. We are committed to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Our team works with medical experts to thoroughly investigate your case, gather critical evidence, and build a compelling argument on your behalf.

If you suspect that you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a delayed diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, contact Lupetin & Unatin for a free consultation. We are here to offer the legal support and guidance you need during this difficult time.