Cancer is one of the most common illnesses in the UK and results in thousands of deaths every year. It is a disease caused by a change in the body’s cells which form a tumour. If left untreated, the tumour can cause many problems, including spreading into tissue and spreading to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.
Some cancers are cancers of the blood or bone marrow that is characterised by an abnormal increase of white blood cells. This is often broadly referred to as Leukaemia.
Whether a tumour or a blood cancer, most can be detected by appropriate and timely investigations and screening.
Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is devastating for both the individual in question and their loved ones, particularly if cancer has been misdiagnosed, or diagnosed later than it should have been, resulting in more significant symptoms, pain and risk to life.
Negligence often involves a failure to:
- Refer to specialists
- Perform a biopsy
- Investigate symptoms properly
- Refer for CT/MRI scanning and imaging
Our specialist team of clinical negligence solicitors deal with a variety of cancer cases stemming from missed or delayed diagnosis, mistreatment, inappropriate treatment of cancer, chemotherapy/radiotherapy issues and more. We also have vast experience of representing the families of people who have died as a result of a cancer misdiagnosis.
Cancer claims dealt with by our medical negligence team here at Pinney Talfourd include the following:
Patients often report blood in the urine and dysuria. It is often mistaken for a urinary tract infection and treated with antibiotics. If it is obvious that antibiotics are not working, patients should be referred to a urology surgeon where a history is recorded and an examination undertaken. A cystoscopy is quite usual to look in to the bladder. Our team of solicitors in Essex and London are well-versed in dealing with bladder cancer claims.
Brain cancer can develop in one area of the brain and spread through, down to the spinal cord. It is fundamental for patients to be referred promptly as any delay could adversely affect the chance of recovery. If the cancer is misdiagnosed or there is a delay in diagnosis and that has resulted in a deterioration of the condition then a claim may be possible. Our clinical negligence solicitors have dealt with brain cancer claims in the past and can offer legal assistance from the outset.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in Britain. Despite the early warning signs being well known, delays in diagnosis are all too common and avoidable metastatic spreads compromise the long-term health and wellbeing of the patient. If you believe that you or a loved one has received has a claim relating to breast cancer, get in touch with our expert team of medicial negligence solicitors in Essex and London.
Bowel cancer is unfortunately often misdiagnosed as a less serious illness, or diagnosis is delayed until curative options have passed. Depending on where the cancer starts, bowel cancer can be referred to as colon or rectal cancer. Our lawyers have dealt with many claims relating to bowel cancer and can offer legal assistance.
A cervical cancer patient generally presents with intermittent bleeding and unusual discharge. If the cancer is more advanced, the patient may suffer weight loss, back pain or referred leg pain. If cervical cancer is diagnosed early, there is usually a good chance of a cure. Diagnosis mistakes can be very serious. A claimant would need to show that the delay affected the outcome. i.e. that the delay caused disease progression. Get in touch with our clinical negligence solicitors if you believe that is the case.
Presentations of gastric cancer usually consist of abdominal pain which worsens after the intake of food and is commonly mistaken for indigestion and ulcers. Patients with persisting symptoms should be referred to a gastroenterologist for further tests in order to establish the cause of the condition and, if cancer, the staging of it. Our team of solicitors in Essex and London have many years of experience in dealing with claims relating to gastric cancer.
Patients with lung cancer tend to experience a long period of coughing, wheezing, or coughing up blood. Where the disease has already spread, patients will be noted as experiencing weight loss or bone pain. Patients should be referred to chest physicians who will undertake x-rays, tests, bloods and so on and look for abnormalities. Depending upon the findings, different courses of action can be offered. If you or a loved one believe that you have a negligence case relating to lung cancer, please contact our team who will be happy to advise further.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer often do not tend to show until a late stage, which means spotting the signs and acting upon them early is fundamental. If you believe that you or a loved one experience late diagnosis, misdiagnosis or another form of negligence relating to ovarian cancer, our solicitors can help.
Pancreatic cancer can be hard to diagnose due to a late onset of symptoms. However, if a doctor fails to provide the treatment you need or your symptoms were missed or overlooked, or interpreted incorrectly, you may have a claim. Negligent treatment of pancreatic cancer can result in more extensive treatments and even fatalities. Contact our team of medical negligence experts for further advice relating to pancreatic cancer claims.
Prostate Cancer is the third biggest killer in the UK. It is often misdiagnosed as urinary tract infections, prostatitis or enlarged prostate. Whilst some symptoms can be similar, investigations can reveal the true diagnosis and this should be done promptly to ensure the most minimally invasive treatment. If investigations were not made or were delayed until it was too late and the cancer became advanced, our medical negligence solicitors can discuss with you how to set about making a claim.
Sufferers of renal tract cancers tend to suffer pain in the loins and/or blood in the urine. Other symptoms include unexplained fevers, joint pains or anaemia. If renal cancer is suspected, the patient should be referred to a urologist promptly.
The urologist should take a detailed history, undertake an examination and organise investigations such as a full blood count, liver and renal function tests and x-rays. Our clinical negligence solicitors in Essex and London can assist with making a claim relating to the negligence surrounding renal tract cancer cases.
If caught early enough, most skin cancers can be treated easily, whereas malignant melanoma and other similar cancers can be aggressive and spread if left untreated.
Doctors should be able to identify symptoms associated with skin cancer and refer immediately for further investigations. If this does not occur, negligence may occur. Our team of solicitors have dealt with many skin cancer claims in the past and are here to answer any queries you may have relating to this specific type of cancer.
It is important that any form of cancer is diagnosed early and accurately to afford you the best chance of recovery.
When mistakes are made, your or a loved one’s condition may be left too long, making the cancer harder to treat and ultimately harder to beat.
If medical negligence has meant that your cancer was misdiagnosed, we may be able to help you make a claim for compensation.
It is important that any form of cancer is diagnosed early and accurately to afford you the best chance of recovery.
When mistakes are made, your or a loved one’s condition may be left too long, making the cancer harder to treat and ultimately harder to beat.
If clinical negligence has meant that your cancer was misdiagnosed, we may be able to help you make a claim for compensation.
Clinical Negligence Lawyers
