Cervical Cancer Misdiagnosis

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Cervical cancer is cancer that arises from the abnormal growth of cells in the cervix. Over 90% of the documented cases of cervical cancer come from the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Luckily, some strains of HPV can be prevented by use of a vaccine such as Gardasil or Cervarix. When cervical cancer is misdiagnosed or treated incorrectly, the consequences can be devastating. Contact our compensation lawyers for obligation-free legal advice on your rights to compensation for medical negligence.

HPV and other causes of cervical cancer

HPV is typically spread through sexual contact, and can be prevented with some success through the use of condoms, or by complete abstinence. Additionally, there is some evidence of a correlation between smoking and the development of cervical cancer, so smoking cessation can help prevent cervical cancer as well. When coupled with regular pap smears and the vaccines, this cancer can be prevented very successfully. However, most of the cases, up to 70%, occur in developing countries where the preventative measures are not readily available.

Symptoms and treatment of cervical cancer

There are very few warning signs of the disease, but at the advanced stages, some women have reported abnormal vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain during intercourse.

If HPV is detected or there is an abnormal pap smear, a doctor may prefer a wait and see approach with more regular pap smears and/or colposcopy. Much depends on the type of abnormality detected. With high grade dysplasias, a biopsy and treatment is recommended.

If cervical cancer is present, more aggressive treatment is required. A hysterectomy, or removal of the whole uterus and part of the vagina, is usually considered for microinvasive cancer, or stage 1A cancer. If it has progressed to stage 1A2, the lymph nodes are removed as well. If it has progressed to stage 2A, the treatment is usually followed up with radiation therapy. For 2A and greater, the hysterectomy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are treatment options available.

Cervical cancer compensation lawyers

If you would like legal advice regarding cervical cancer misdiagnosis or if you have concerns regarding your treatment including complications arising from surgery, contact our specialist compensation lawyers. Our medical negligence solicitors have acted in many cases involving negligence by general practitioners, gynaecologists, oncologists, pathologists and screening services. Legal presentation is available on a No Win No fee basis.