Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
At Lupetin & Unatin, we have seen firsthand the massive impact delays in diagnosing and treating squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can have on patients and their families. Coupled with our extensive experience handling skin cancer medical malpractice cases, we understand the devastating consequences these delays can cause. Because of this, and our commitment to helping those affected, we are providing the following summary of SCC and an explanation of when a delay in diagnosis or treatment may be the result of medical malpractice.
What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that originates in the squamous cells, which are flat cells found in the outer layer of the skin. While SCC often develops in areas exposed to sunlight, such as the face, neck, and hands, it can also occur in other parts of the body, including the mucous membranes and internal organs.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer, following basal cell carcinoma. It is generally treatable when detected early, but it can become aggressive and spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
What Are the Stages of Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinoma is classified into stages based on the extent of its spread. Staging helps guide treatment decisions and determine prognosis:
- Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ): The cancer is confined to the top layer of the skin.
- Stage I: The cancer is less than 2 cm in size and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or organs.
- Stage II: The cancer is larger than 2 cm but has not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
- Stage III: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes but not to distant sites.
- Stage IV: The cancer has metastasized to distant organs or tissues.
How Common Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Who Is Most at Risk?
Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most frequently diagnosed skin cancers in the United States. Each year, more than one million cases are reported, accounting for a significant proportion of all skin cancer diagnoses. While SCC is often highly treatable when detected early, its prevalence underscores the importance of public awareness and preventive measures. The condition poses a serious health concern, particularly for individuals in high-risk groups, as delayed diagnosis or treatment can lead to severe complications, including metastasis and increased mortality rates.
Groups at higher risk include:
- Individuals with fair skin, light-colored eyes, and blonde or red hair.
- Older adults, particularly those over 50 years of age.
- People with a history of prolonged sun exposure or tanning bed use.
- Patients with weakened immune systems, such as transplant recipients or those with HIV/AIDS.
What Are the Risk Factors for Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing SCC, making it critical to understand and mitigate these risks whenever possible. Certain lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and genetic predispositions play a significant role in raising a person’s chances of developing this potentially aggressive cancer:
- Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: Prolonged exposure to sunlight or tanning beds.
- Chronic Skin Damage: Scars, burns, or chronic inflammatory conditions.
- Immune Suppression: Medications or conditions that weaken the immune system.
- Fair Skin: Reduced melanin offers less protection against UV radiation.
- Exposure to Carcinogens: Contact with chemicals such as arsenic or coal tar.
- Genetic Disorders: Conditions like xeroderma pigmentosum.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Early detection is crucial for improving outcomes and reducing the risk of complications associated with squamous cell carcinoma. Patients and doctors should remain vigilant and monitor for any abnormal changes in the skin or mucous membranes. Regular check-ups and prompt action when changes are noticed can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment:
- Persistent, scaly red patches.
- Open sores that do not heal.
- Elevated growths with a central depression.
- Wart-like growths or lesions.
- Itching, tenderness, or pain in affected areas.
What Are the Screening Guidelines for Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
There are no universal screening guidelines for SCC, but high-risk individuals should take proactive measures to ensure early detection and treatment. These measures are particularly important for those with increased susceptibility due to personal or family history of skin cancer, prolonged UV exposure, or other known risk factors:
- Conduct regular self-examinations for new or changing skin lesions.
- Schedule annual skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you have a history of skin cancer.
- Protect skin with sunscreen and clothing to reduce UV exposure.
What Are the Diagnostic Testing Guidelines Following an Abnormal Screening?
When an abnormal lesion is identified, it is critical to follow a comprehensive diagnostic pathway to ensure accurate and timely detection of squamous cell carcinoma. Diagnostic steps may include:
- Biopsy: Removing a sample of the lesion for microscopic examination.
- Imaging Tests: CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans to determine the extent of spread.
What Are the Steps in Diagnosing Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Diagnosing SCC involves a systematic and thorough approach to ensure accurate identification and staging of the cancer, which is essential for determining the most effective treatment plan:
- Initial Examination: A dermatologist examines the lesion.
- Biopsy: Confirms the presence of cancer cells.
- Pathology Report: Determines the type and aggressiveness of the cancer.
- Staging Workup: Imaging tests evaluate whether the cancer has spread.
What Is the Impact of Delayed Diagnosis?
A delay in diagnosing SCC can lead to severe and potentially life-altering consequences, as early detection is critical for effective treatment. Delays may result in:
- Progression to advanced stages.
- Increased likelihood of metastasis: As SCC advances, it may spread to nearby lymph nodes and distant organs, making treatment more complex and less effective.
- More invasive treatments: Advanced stages often require extensive surgery to remove the cancer, which may include reconstructive procedures, or systemic therapies such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy to target widespread disease.
- Higher risk of disfigurement or death: The involvement of vital structures or the need for large tissue removal can lead to significant physical changes, and untreated metastatic SCC significantly increases the risk of mortality.
What Is the Treatment for Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Treatment depends on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as the overall health and preferences of the patient. Tailoring the treatment approach to these factors is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome:
- Surgical Options: Mohs surgery, excisional surgery, or curettage and electrodessication.
- Radiation Therapy: Used for patients unable to undergo surgery.
- Topical Treatments: For superficial SCCs.
- Systemic Therapies: Immunotherapy or chemotherapy for advanced cases.
When Is a Delay in Diagnosis Due to Medical Malpractice?
A delay in diagnosing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can constitute medical malpractice when it results from a healthcare provider’s failure to meet the standard of care expected in identifying and addressing potential cases of SCC. The standard of care refers to the level of skill, expertise, and diligence that a reasonably competent healthcare provider would exercise under similar circumstances. When this standard is not upheld, and the delay causes harm to the patient, legal liability may arise. Such breaches may occur in several ways, including failure to recognize or act on clear symptoms of SCC, inadequate follow-up on abnormal test results, or miscommunication between medical professionals leading to delays in treatment.
For example, a healthcare provider may fail to recognize or properly evaluate a suspicious lesion that exhibits classic signs of SCC, such as a scaly patch of skin, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a lesion that bleeds easily. Similarly, abnormal test results indicative of SCC may not be followed up with the necessary urgency, leaving the condition to progress unchecked. Miscommunication between a primary care physician, pathologist, and specialist—or outright negligence in ensuring timely communication—can also lead to critical delays in providing appropriate care.
Examples of Medical Malpractice Leading to Delayed Diagnosis
- Specific instances of medical malpractice leading to delayed diagnosis might include a primary care physician overlooking a suspicious lesion during a routine examination, failing to recommend a biopsy or other diagnostic tests. In some cases, pathology reports may be misinterpreted or delayed, preventing timely diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, a delay in referring a patient to a dermatologist or oncologist when symptoms clearly warrant specialized evaluation can result in the cancer advancing to a more aggressive stage, requiring more invasive treatments or leading to poorer outcomes.
- Each of these scenarios highlights how lapses in standard medical procedures can have severe and lasting consequences for patients. Understanding these examples helps individuals recognize when a delay in diagnosing SCC may be due to medical malpractice and underscores the importance of pursuing legal action to hold negligent providers accountable.
What Should Patients Do if They Believe They’ve Suffered a Delay?
If you believe you or a loved one has suffered serious harm—or even the loss of a loved one—due to a delay in diagnosing and treating squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), it’s important to take action to protect your rights and explore your legal options. Start by gathering all relevant medical records, including pathology reports, imaging results, physician notes, and any communications regarding the diagnosis and treatment of SCC. These documents are crucial in establishing the timeline and details of the care provided. Then, consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney who can evaluate your case, identify whether there was a deviation from the standard of care, and determine if negligence contributed to the harm. Keep in mind that medical malpractice claims are subject to strict time limits, so it’s essential to act quickly to preserve your ability to pursue compensation. An attorney can guide you through the process, obtain expert medical opinions, and advocate for you to hold negligent providers accountable. Taking these steps can help you seek justice and secure financial support to address the challenges caused by the harm you’ve experienced.
Examples of Lawsuit Settlements or Verdicts
Delays in diagnosing and treating squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have led to significant legal settlements and verdicts, reflecting the serious consequences of such delays. Notable cases include:
- $12.5 Million Jury Verdict (Illinois): A 60-year-old patient experienced a delay in SCC diagnosis due to a physician’s failure to identify a tumor present on an MRI. This oversight led to advanced disease requiring extensive treatment.
- $2 Million Settlement (Illinois): A 66-year-old man suffered a wrongful death after healthcare providers failed to timely diagnose his SCC, resulting in a settlement for his family.
- $1.95 Million Recovery (Illinois): A patient received compensation after a delayed diagnosis of SCC led to advanced disease, necessitating more aggressive treatment.
- $350,000 Settlement (New York): A woman was misinformed about her biopsy results, being told a cancerous lesion was benign. The delay in proper treatment led to scarring and additional medical procedures.
These cases underscore the critical importance of timely and accurate diagnosis of SCC to prevent severe health outcomes and potential legal action.
How Lupetin & Unatin Can Help
If you or a loved one has experienced a serious delay in skin cancer diagnosis, contact the Pittsburgh medical malpractice attorneys of Lupetin & Unatin immediately for a free case evaluation. Our experienced team can investigate the circumstances and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We have extensive experience representing victims of delayed diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer including squamous cell carcinoma. Our dedicated legal team will conduct a thorough review of medical records, consult with leading medical experts, and build a compelling case to secure justice for you and your family.