Could My Wife’s Colorectal Cancer Have Been Detected Earlier?

You have probably spent a great deal of time dwelling on how and when your wife’s cancer was first diagnosed. You need to know that there are a couple of ways that your wife’s colorectal cancer might have been detected earlier, and colorectal cancer is more treatable if found early through screening tests. Suppose polyps or adenomas are detected through these tests. In that case, the development of cancer can even be prevented since polyps can be removed before they can develop into cancer.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Colorectal Cancer?

The recommended screening test for cancer of the colon or rectum is a colonoscopy, which offers a view of the complete colon and rectum as seen through a flexible, long tube containing a camera. One great advantage of a colonoscopy is that if polyps or adenomas are seen on the camera, the tube allows doctors to perform a biopsy or polypectomy during the procedure if necessary.

However, one disadvantage of a colonoscopy is that despite the procedure being the most sensitive test currently available, nonpolypoid lesions or small polyps may not be detected. And unfortunately, even a patient who keeps up with regular colonoscopy screenings as recommended by a medical professional could fall victim to a doctor or pathologist who makes a mistake when reading the results of that or other screenings for colorectal cancer.

You may feel angry, helpless, and resentful that the medical professionals you entrusted with your wife’s care could have made such mistakes. You sought out or were recommended to these professionals for their expertise, and to realize an error of this magnitude may have been made is devastating.

When Is A Delay In Detecting Colorectal Cancer Malpractice?

While the circumstance may be that a specific case of colorectal cancer is difficult to diagnose early, it is still a doctor’s responsibility to adhere to the accepted standard of care when evaluating a patient’s condition. If they violate that standard and a diagnosis is delayed or missed, the patient may be entitled to compensation.

Some of the common reasons for a delayed cancer diagnosis include:

• Mishandled or misread tests
• Insufficient time spent with the patient
• Incompetent medical professional
• Understaffing in the medical office or hospital
• Dismissed patient concerns

A delayed colorectal cancer diagnosis can be the difference between life and death. Mistakes in any of these areas could cost patients their chances of survival. It’s imperative to try and prove medical malpractice and fight for the compensation you deserve. However, you must understand that a delayed cancer diagnosis doesn’t always mean that medical malpractice has occurred. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Pennsylvania will know how to help you proceed with your claim.

Get Help For The Delay In Your Wife’s Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis

If you suspect your wife’s colorectal cancer could have been detected earlier but can’t get the answers you’re seeking from your doctor, you may be experiencing great stress and frustration in deciding your next steps. At Ross Feller Casey, we have highly experienced attorneys to assist you with your case and how to proceed. 

We realize you already have tremendous responsibilities as your wife’s caregiver, supporting her physical and emotional needs, keeping doctors’ appointments, managing bills, and dealing with insurance companies. Determining whether or not a medical professional could have detected colorectal cancer earlier is not a burden you need to add to your load.

Let us take that weight off your shoulders. We have physicians on staff to review your wife’s medical records and assist our medical malpractice attorneys with your case. We have a proven track record of winning delayed cancer diagnosis lawsuits in Pennsylvania and receiving large financial recoveries for families like yours. We can help you find peace of mind.

Don’t worry about out-of-pocket fees. We don’t charge a dime until your case is won. Contact the Ross Feller Casey law firm in Philadelphia today for your free case review.