Washington DC Cervical Cancer Misdiagnosis Lawyer

Cervical cancer was once one of the leading causes of death for women throughout the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there were 12,845 new cases of cervical cancer reported in 2015.

According to statistics published by the CDC, there have been consistent declines in the number of women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer over the past twenty years.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cervical cancer or were misdiagnosed, consider working with a Washington DC cervical cancer lawyer who is equipped to handle a highly sensitive and intricate medical malpractice claim for cervical cancer misdiagnosis.

Diagnosing Cervical Cancer

The consistent decline in cervical cancer cases can largely be attributed to the continued development and advancement of screening tests as well as clinical procedures.

According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer cells can often be detected and treated in their earliest stages, which underlines the importance of doctors conducting careful screenings and carefully following up on abnormal test results.

However, despite all the favorable medical literature citing the effectiveness of cervical cancer screening methods, women are diagnosed with cervical cancer on a daily basis, and cervical cancer still is a leading cause of death and injury amongst women. Because of the effectiveness of screening techniques, one of the leading causes of women developing cervical cancer is medical malpractice.

Whether a doctor fails to diagnose or fails to follow proper protocol, women can face serious complications and even death because of a cervical cancer misdiagnosis.

How Cervical Cancer Testing Can Prevent a Cervical Cancer Misdiagnosis

Abnormal or malignant cells forming and growing in the cervix cause cervical cancer. After substantial research, the National Cancer Institute reports that cervical cancer is “nearly always caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV).” Because medical professionals understand the leading causes of cervical cancer, they have been able to develop proven and effective screening techniques.

One of the most effective screening tools is a Pap test. While the Pap test is highly effective, it is not one hundred percent accurate at detecting cervical cancer. If a Pap test is not properly performed or handled, it can lead to a cervical cancer misdiagnosis.

Cervical Cancer Misdiagnosis and Medical Malpractice

Doctors have a professional obligation and duty towards their patients. Indeed, doctors are expected to exercise a certain degree of care and skill when treating and diagnosing their patients. When a doctor fails to meet this duty, known as the standard of care, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries and losses a woman may suffer. Burke v. Scaggs, 867 A.2d 213 (D.C. 2005) Some of the leading causes of cervical cancer misdiagnosis include:

  • Clinician testing errors – A woman may suffer a cervical cancer misdiagnosis because her doctor does not properly conduct a Pap test, HPV test, or other accepted screening test.
  • Laboratory errors – After a doctor collects a sample, it is often sent to a laboratory to be read and interpreted. A laboratory error could occur because a lab mixes samples, does not conduct a proper examination, or fails to report data to a doctor.
  • Follow up errors – A woman may also face a cervical cancer misdiagnosis because her doctor fails to follow up on abnormal test results.

Turn to a Trusted DC Cervical Cancer Misdiagnosis Attorney

It is important to remember that cervical cancer is “preventable but not prevented,” and while cervical cancer is often quite treatable in its earliest stages, it is a doctor’s responsibility and obligation to properly test and screen a woman for cervical cancer.

If you have been impacted because of a cervical cancer misdiagnosis, consider contacting an experienced and dedicated Washington DC cervical cancer misdiagnosis lawyer.

A DC cervical cancer misdiagnosis attorney can help you recover compensation for your injuries and losses including your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.