Cervical cancer is diagnosed in our country in over 11,000 women every year. Cervical cancer affects the lower part of the uterus, also known as the cervix. Treatments should be given as early as possible, so diagnosing the cancer early is important. With an early diagnosis, treatments can have a better chance fighting the illness.

When a misdiagnosis of cervical cancer occurs, the patient does not have the same chance of a post outcome as do a patient who had proper treatments. Wrong treatments, delayed treatments, no treatments, given or treatments are given without any need when misdiagnosis of cervical cancer. A misdiagnosis can also result in death.

Victims of misdiagnosis can have their case evaluated by a medical malpractice lawyer. Lawyers offer a free evaluation to determine whether there is a misdiagnosis of cervical cancer case.

Diagnosing Cervical Cancer

A Pap smear is an important exam for whom who are sexually active. It is not a diagnostic test but is used to identify whether abnormal cells are present. Further testing will be necessary, if abnormal cells are found, for an accurate diagnosis.

The following diagnostic tests are used:

Colposcopy - this includes the use of a colposcope to look at the cervix and the areas of abnormal cellular growth.

Biopsy - taking a sample of the abnormal tissue for testing.

Endocervical scraping - a specialized instrument is used to scrape tissue lining the endocervical canal, an area the doctor cannot reach with the colposcope

Cone biopsy - a cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the cervix

These tests need to be performed and read by professionals. Mistakes in testing or in the interpretation of the test results can lead to poor treatment and possible death.

How Misdiagnosis of Cervical Cancer Occurs

There are many reasons a misdiagnosis of cervical cancer occurs such as:

*The doctor fails to recognize symptoms of cervical cancer, thereby failing to perform the tests necessary for diagnosis

*The doctor fails to obtain a full patient history, so misses risk factors such as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

*Misinterpreted Lab results

*An error in the lab that mixes up patient results

There are many types of misdiagnosis. Delayed diagnosis, missed diagnosis and wrong diagnosis can each have their own consequence. For instance, a wrong of cervical cancer when a patient does not have cancer can undergo treatments that are not needed. In addition, if cancer was missed, a patient will not receive treatment they actually need to live.

Have You Been Misdiagnosed?

If you experienced a misdiagnosis of cervical cancer, you have legal rights and can take legal action. Bring in your case to a medical malpractice attorney. They are experienced in these types of cases. A victim can file a lawsuit against the negligent party and can recover some monetary and non-monetary damages including last wages, treatment expenses and pain and suffering.

Contact an attorney to learn more about your legal if you were misdiagnosis of cervical cancer. They will evaluate your case at no cost and advise you of your rights.