Oral Cancer

Title: Oral Cancer: Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Stages, and Treatments

Introduction:
Welcome to the Kopec Law Firm’s comprehensive guide on oral cancer malpractice, where we will explore the different types of oral cancer, their symptoms, diagnostic procedures, stages, available treatments, and the importance of accurate diagnosis. We will also cover medical malpractice option when misdiagnosis occurs. Oral cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the mouth or throat, and early detection plays a crucial role in successful treatment outcomes.

Types of Oral Cancer:
1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
– Symptoms: Persistent mouth sores, red or white patches, difficulty swallowing, persistent hoarseness, and unexplained bleeding.
– Diagnosis: Dentists, oral surgeons, or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists may perform a thorough examination, including a biopsy, to confirm the presence of squamous cell carcinoma.

2. Verrucous Carcinoma:
– Symptoms: Slow-growing, wart-like growths in the mouth, usually painless.
– Diagnosis: A biopsy is typically performed by a dentist or oral surgeon to confirm the presence of verrucous carcinoma.

3. Minor Salivary Gland Carcinomas:
– Symptoms: Vary depending on the specific type but may include lumps, sores, or pain in the mouth or throat.
– Diagnosis: Dentists, oral surgeons, or ENT specialists may perform a biopsy to determine the presence of minor salivary gland carcinomas.

Diagnostic Procedures and Healthcare Professionals Involved:
Accurate diagnosis of oral cancer involves various procedures and healthcare professionals, including:
– Physical examination: Dentists, oral surgeons, or ENT specialists examine the mouth, throat, and neck for any abnormalities.
– Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
– Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, or PET scans may be conducted to determine the extent of the cancer’s spread.

Stages of Oral Cancer:
Oral cancer is typically staged using the TNM system, which considers the tumor size (T), lymph node involvement (N), and metastasis (M). The stages range from 0 to IV, with IV being the most advanced stage.

Available Treatments:
Treatment options for oral cancer depend on the stage and may include:
– Surgery: Removal of the tumor and surrounding tissues.
– Radiation therapy: High-energy beams target and destroy cancer cells.
– Chemotherapy: Medications are used to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
– Targeted therapy: Drugs specifically target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells.
– Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.

Medical Malpractice and Misdiagnosis:
Misdiagnosis of oral cancer can have severe consequences, leading to delayed treatment and potentially worsening the patient’s condition. Dentists, oral surgeons, and other healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis of oral cancer must exercise due diligence, follow established protocols, and promptly refer patients to specialists if necessary. Failure to do so may constitute medical malpractice.

Next Step

Understanding the types, symptoms, diagnostic procedures, stages, and available treatments for oral cancer is crucial for both patients and healthcare professionals. Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential in providing appropriate treatment. Failure can result in medical malpractice.

If you are concerned about a delay or failure to diagnose oral cancer, visit the free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.