Delays in Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer in the United States, often because the cancer is already at an advanced staged by the time of diagnosis. When early detection is possible, diagnosis of ovarian cancer at an early stage can significantly increase the chances of prolonged survival.
Diagnostic Errors in Ovarian Cancer
Diagnostic errors can ruin opportunities for diagnosis of ovarian cancer at early, more treatable stages. These errors can result from a failure to recognize symptoms, misinterpretation of diagnostic tests, or delays in necessary referrals to specialists.
Overlooked Signs of Ovarian Cancer
The early signs of ovarian cancer are often subtle and easily mistaken for less serious conditions, making accurate diagnosis challenging. Some common symptoms include:
- Persistent bloating or abdominal swelling
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Frequent urination or urinary urgency
These symptoms can resemble common issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or urinary tract infections (UTIs), leading gynecologists to misdiagnose or overlook ovarian cancer as a potential cause.
Other types of diagnostic errors involving ovarian cancer:
- Failure to Recognize Risk Factors: Gynecologists may overlook key risk factors such as family history of ovarian or breast cancer, personal history of endometriosis, or genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2. These risk factors should raise suspicion and prompt more thorough testing.
- Misinterpreting Symptoms: Since symptoms of ovarian cancer overlap with other common conditions, physicians may initially diagnose the patient with something less serious, like gastrointestinal issues or hormone imbalances. Misinterpretation of symptoms may deprive patients of the benefits of testing like pelvic ultrasounds, CA-125 blood tests, or CT scans to look for signs of ovarian cancer.
- Misread or Overlooked Imaging or Lab Results: In some cases, radiologists or lab technicians may misinterpret ultrasound or blood test results. Gynecologists rely on these incorrect interpretations and unknowingly dismiss other signs or symptoms of ovarian cancer. In other cases, gynecologists or their staff may overlook abnormal imaging or lab results or miscommunicate with the patient about follow-up. Misread or overlooked test results can cause significant delays in treatment and lead to more advanced ovarian cancer by the time of diagnosis.
The Impact of Delayed Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer
The prognosis for ovarian cancer is better when the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage. A delayed diagnosis will result in progression of untreated ovarian cancer to an advanced stage. Treatment options are more limited and less effective when the cancer reaches an advanced stage. For patients and families affected by diagnostic errors, the emotional and physical toll can be overwhelming. Missed opportunities for early detection often result in shorter life expectancy, more invasive and agressive treatment plans, and a diminished quality of life.
Legal Recourse for Medical Errors Related to Ovarian Cancer
If you or a loved one was harmed by ovarian cancer and you feel a physician may have misdiagnosed or delayed the diagnosis of this cancer, you may be entitled to damages for the harm caused by the medical error.
Medical malpractice claims can provide compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of life expectancy. Examples of successful lawsuits involving medical errors related to ovarian cancer include the following:
- 3-million-dollar settlement related to failure to remove ovaries/fallopian tubes, or test for ovarian cancer – A 52-year-old patient needed a hysterectomy due to endometrial hyperplasia. Her OB/GYN advised against removing her ovaries and fallopian tubes (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, or BSO) to avoid early menopause symptoms. About a year later, she experienced abdominal pain, and imaging showed a fluid-filled fallopian tube (hydrosalpinx), The plaintiff claimed the patient’s OB/GYN should have investigated further with additional tests or a physical exam. Eventually, exploratory surgery revealed Stage IIIC ovarian cancer, leading to years of chemotherapy before the patient’s passing. The lawsuit argued that a BSO would have significantly lowered her cancer risk, as she was near menopause, and that the OB/GYN was negligent for failing to perform a physical exam or order further testing despite persistent abdominal pain. https://www.wrshlaw.com/verdicts-settlements/ovarian-cancer-malpractice.html
- A 2.4 million award to the family of a woman who died of recurrent ovarian cancer. The lawsuit alleged that a surgeon’s failure to remove both ovaries during a 2004 operation allowed cancer to recur, ultimately leading to her death.
It is important to note that exposure to certain chemicals or toxins may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. This means that in some patients, a non-health care related corporation may be responsible for failing to protect citizens or consumers who develop ovarian cancer from exposure to unnecessarily harmful carcinogens. To learn more, read our article on Environmental Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer.
At our law firm, we are experienced in handling medical malpractice cases involving diagnostic errors in ovarian cancer. Our Pittsburgh medical malpractice attorneys work closely with medical experts to review patient records, analyze diagnostic decisions, and determine whether a gynecologist or other health care provider failed to meet the standard of care.
Gynecologists play a crucial role in the early detection of ovarian cancer, and diagnostic errors can have devastating consequences. If a gynecologist fails to recognize the signs of ovarian cancer or delays appropriate testing, it can cost precious time and lives. At our law firm, we are committed to seeking justice for women and families affected by these tragic mistakes. Contact us today for a free consultation if you believe you have been a victim of medical negligence.