The Top Cervical Cancer Lawyer Philadelphia

Most recently, Ross Feller Casey won a remarkable $9.6 million jury verdict against several medical providers that failed to timely diagnose and treat cervical cancer in a young girl from Reading, PA. The verdict is believed to be the largest ever awarded in Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Based in Philadelphia, the firm has a team of nationally recognized doctors right on staff. This unique staff gives the firm the ability to expertly manage the cases of women misdiagnosed with cervical cancer.

When a medical professional doesn’t catch or misdiagnoses cervical cancer in a patient, the results can be devastating. When there is a delayed diagnosis of cervical cancer, it keeps growing and may even metastasize to other parts of the body. By the time it is finally discovered, it could be too late to treat. If a patient believes her doctor did not detect cervical cancer when they should have, this may warrant a cervical cancer lawsuit.

What Are The Common Risk Factors Of Developing Cervical Cancer?

Several risk factors make a patient more likely to receive a cervical cancer diagnosis. When a woman has these conditions, she should be screened and/or tested. If you or someone you love had these risk factors but weren’t evaluated for cancer, the attorneys at Ross Feller Casey can help.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection - HPV, commonly known as warts, includes several types strongly linked to various cancers, including cancers of the cervix. In fact, the majority of cervical cancer cases will occur after a woman has been infected by HPV. A routine Pap smear will screen for HPV, as well as the HPV test, which is sometimes used when a woman’s Pap test comes back abnormal. Because of how closely HPV is linked with cervical cancer, if you or someone you love tested positive for HPV but your doctor failed to screen for cervical cancer, you might want to consult an attorney.

Smoking - Regular smoking makes a woman twice as likely to get cervical cancer, partly because of how the tobacco by-products affect the body and because smoking suppresses the immune system. If a patient is a regular smoker and/or tests positive for HPV, she may be at a high risk of developing cervical cancer. It could be considered malpractice if her doctor does not screen and examine her accordingly.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Chlamydia Infection - Other conditions that increase a woman’s risk for cervical cancer include HIV and chlamydia. HIV harms the immune system, and chlamydia causes pelvic inflammation and potential infertility. Women with HIV should receive cervical cancer screenings to catch the disease early, and because women with chlamydia may not show any symptoms, regular pelvic exams are important. Any woman who has either of these conditions but whose doctor fails to test for cervical cancer may be a victim of malpractice.

How Is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?

Cervical cancer, often referred to as “the silent killer,” can develop without obvious cancer symptoms in its early stages. However, early detection is critical for improving survival rates. Routine Pap smears and HPV tests can usually identify precancerous changes in the cervix.

If these tests yield abnormal results, your healthcare provider will likely order additional procedures, as outlined below.

• Colposcopy: In this procedure, a colposcope (a specialized magnifying instrument) is inserted into the vagina to inspect the cervix, vagina, and vulva visually. It allows for a detailed examination of the tissues for signs of cervical cancer. A tissue biopsy may also be performed during this procedure.
• Endocervical Scraping: Also known as endocervical curettage, this involves using a curette (a small brush) to collect endocervical canal tissue cells. The collected sample is then sent to the laboratory for testing.
• Biopsy: In a biopsy, a doctor will remove a small tissue sample from the suspicious area for further laboratory testing. It can be done alongside a colposcopy or as a separate procedure.
• Cone Biopsy: Also called conization, this is a more invasive procedure. It involves removing a cone-shaped tissue sample from the cervix for laboratory testing. Anesthetics are used during this procedure. Cone biopsies can be done in two ways:
  • Loop Electrosurgical Procedure (LEEP, LLETZ): A thin wire loop that is heated by electricity, is used to remove the tissue after applying a local anesthetic. This procedure can be done in a doctor’s office.
  • Cold Knife Cone Biopsy: Typically performed in a hospital under general anesthesia or epidural, this procedure involves removing the tissue to be tested with a scalpel or a laser.

Find A Philadelphia Cancer Misdiagnosis Attorney At Ross Feller Casey

Cervical cancer must be diagnosed early to have the most favorable outcome. Suppose you or a family member has been diagnosed with cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, or breast cancer, and you believe it should have been discovered earlier. In that case, it may be a cancer misdiagnosis case, and you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible.

At Ross Feller Casey, we know we cannot reverse time and undo the hardships you and your family have endured. No attorney can do that. However, a successful medical malpractice lawsuit can alleviate some of your burdens by securing full and fair compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. This includes the mounting medical bills of a cancer patient, lost wages, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, and the profound loss of companionship.

The firm handles all cases on a contingency basis, which means you will not pay anything until we make a financial recovery in your case.

Contact our attorneys today to set up your complimentary case evaluation.

Ross Feller Casey has personal injury attorneys who specialize in cervical cancer misdiagnosis lawsuits in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.