Cervical Cancer Misdiagnosis

“The realization that your cervical cancer was misdiagnosed can be both shocking and life-altering. Symptoms such as irregular bleeding, pelvic pain, or discomfort during intercourse, often dismissed or mistaken for less severe conditions, can lead to critical delays in diagnosis and treatment. In these moments, the support of a cervical cancer misdiagnosis lawyer becomes invaluable.

At Weiss & Paarz, we specialize in bridging the gap between medical adversity and legal recourse. Our team of dedicated lawyers, well-versed in the intricacies of medical malpractice law, is committed to advocating for those affected by cervical cancer misdiagnosis. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve after a cervical cancer misdiagnosis, bringing solace and a sense of justice to your journey towards recovery.”

Serving New Jersey – Pennsylvania – Nationwide*

Understanding Cervical Cancer Misdiagnosis

Cervical cancer is largely preventable. Early pre-cancerous changes (dysplasia) can usually be detected by regular pap smears obtained during routine pelvic examinations. When caught and treated early, treatment is minimally invasive and usually successful. However, there are a significant number of errors made in the interpretation of pap smears. These mistakes often allow cancer to evolve and progress to the point that aggressive and invasive treatments are necessary. Sometimes, even with the best of care, cervical cancer is diagnosed too late to be curable.

Understanding Cervical Cancer Symptoms

Identifying the symptoms of cervical cancer is pivotal for early detection and intervention. Symptoms can vary widely and often depend on the progression of the disease. Early symptoms may be subtle and easily mistaken for common menstrual or urinary conditions, making regular screenings essential for detection. As the cancer advances, symptoms typically become more pronounced and may indicate more extensive involvement of cervical or surrounding tissues. Recognizing the range of symptoms, from early to advanced stages, is crucial for seeking timely medical advice and treatment.

Symptoms of cervical cancer can include:

• Abnormal bleeding
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Urinary symptoms
• Leg pain or swelling
• Weight loss and fatigue
• Back or pelvic pressure

While these symptoms can be associated with many different conditions, their persistence or severity could indicate the presence of cervical cancer. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider for any concerning symptoms to ensure appropriate evaluation and care.

Dysplasia occurs before cancerous cells appear in the cervix. Once cervical cancer forms in the cervix, which is the opening to the uterus, it can grow and spread to the uterus and ovaries. Misdiagnosis of cervical cancer at this early stage can lead to delays in treatment, increasing the risk of the cancer progressing to more advanced stages.

When pre-cancerous cells are detected, they can be removed effectively through a simple, minimally invasive procedure called a cone biopsy. However, if cervical cancer is misdiagnosed or if the pre-cancerous cells are not identified in time, the condition may progress to a point where a hysterectomy is required. Later stages of cervical cancer can mean aggressive and potentially harmful treatments, including radiation and chemotherapy, and invasive, disfiguring surgery.

Cervical Cancer Misdiagnosis Explained

Cervical cancer diagnosis begins with routine screenings that play a critical role in early detection. The primary methods include:

• Pap Smear Test: A vital procedure where cells from the cervix are gently collected and examined for any abnormalities. This test can identify precancerous or cancerous cells. Most pap smears are read by cytotechnologists, in the laboratory, rather than by your doctor.

• HPV Testing: Targets the detection of the human papillomavirus, known to be a leading cause of cervical cancer. Identifying high-risk HPV types can indicate the need for further monitoring or intervention.

• Colposcopy: An examination allowing a closer look at the cervix, especially if Pap smear results are abnormal. A special magnifying device is used to inspect the cervical tissues.
• Biopsy: In cases where abnormal cells are detected, a biopsy may be performed during the colposcopy to collect a small sample of tissue for further analysis.

These diagnostic steps are fundamental in identifying cervical cancer at its onset, emphasizing the importance of regular screenings for early intervention. According to the U.S. Preventive Task Force:

Most pap smears are read by cytotechnologists, in the laboratory, rather than by your doctor. According to the U.S. Preventive Task Force:

… many women who are tested receive inaccurate results due to interpretative or reporting errors by cytopathology laboratories or specimen collection errors by clinicians. The failure of some physicians to provide adequate follow-up for abnormal pap smears is another source of delay in the management of cervical dysplasia…

– Page 111, Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, Second Edition (1996)

Failure to detect dysplasia or early cancer on pap smear is not the only cause of cervical cancer misdiagnosis. Failure to diagnose cervical cancer, along with ovarian and uterine cancers, can be caused by doctors overlooking such symptoms as:

• Vaginal odor
• Unusual vaginal discharge (with or without blood)
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Bladder symptoms
• Blood in urine
• Bowel symptoms
• Blood in stool
• Pelvic pain
• Painful during sex

Common medical errors that can lead to the misdiagnosis of cervical cancer include:

• Failure to take a careful and detailed history
• Failure to perform a thorough and complete physical examination
• Failure to recognize early warning signs and symptoms
• Failure to adequately follow up or communicate with the patient
• Failure to recommend tests due to financial concerns
• Failure to recommend or offer cervical cancer screening
• Failure to refer to appropriate specialists
• Improper performance or interpretation of pap smears or laboratory testing
• Communication errors between doctors and medical facilities

Injuries Caused by Cervical Cancer Misdiagnosis

Types of harm caused by delayed or misdiagnosed cervical cancer can include:

• Premature death
• Inoperable cancer
• Severe physical pain
• Loss of reproductive and other organs
• Scaring and disfigurement
• Treatment which is more invasive, aggressive, and painful
• Treatment which is significantly more expensive
• Significantly increased recovery time
• Lost wages
• Long-term or permanent disability

How We Can Help with Cervical Cancer Misdiagnosis Cases

No amount of money can make up for a woman’s unnecessary or preventable death, or for the added pain of knowing that premature death would probably have been avoided had health care professionals acted properly. However, when a woman’s premature death is due to cervical cancer misdiagnosis, it creates a financial burden on families, and the responsible party should bear that cost. In addition, delayed treatment or misdiagnosis of cervical, ovarian, or uterine cancer creates additional health care costs, lost wages, and in some cases, permanent disability.

If you or a loved one has been injured or lost their life due to what you suspect may have been a cervical cancer misdiagnosis, you may be entitled to compensation including:

• Current and future medical bills
• Current and future loss of wages
• Long-term disability
• Long-term care expenses
• Rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship
• Burial expenses

Cervical cancer misdiagnosis FAQs

Collectively, New Jersey medical malpractice lawyers Weiss & Paarz have presented over 20 medical malpractice cases relating to the misdiagnosis of cervical cancer, and have helped many families achieve substantial financial recoveries. We are committed to using our knowledge and experience to help any individual or family who has suffered a severe, permanent injury or death due to cervical cancer misdiagnosis or any other medical malpractice. If you believe you or a loved one may have experienced such an injury, please contact Weiss & Paarz, P.C., today.