Brain Cancer

The brain., the body’s most complex organ, controls everything from thought and movement to memory and emotions. The brain is unfortunately susceptible to cancerous growths. Brain cancer, a broad term encompassing various tumor types, can be a devastating diagnosis. Accordingly, this webpage discusses into the complexities of brain cancer, equipping you with knowledge about its anatomy, types, diagnosis, treatment, and potential legal aspects. If a delay or failure to diagnose brain cancer has injured you, then you may have a medical malpractice claim for misdiagnosis. You should call the Baltimore brain cancer lawyer at the Kopec Law Firm.

Understanding Brain Anatomy from the Baltimore Brain Cancer Lawyer

The brain is encased within the skull and protected by three layers of membranes called the meninges. It’s further divided into three major parts:

• Cerebrum: The largest part, responsible for higher functions like thinking, learning, and sensation. Cerebellum: Coordinates movement and balance.
• Brainstem: Lastly, the brainstem connects the brain to the spinal cord, controlling vital functions like breathing and heart rate.

Within these regions, different types of cells specifically play certain roles. Neurons, the brain’s communication cells, transmit messages throughout the network. Glial cells, on the other hand, support and protect neurons. Brain cancers can arise from any of these cell types.

Symptoms of Brain Cancer

Brain cancers present a diverse range of symptoms depending on the location and size of the tumor. Some common warning signs include:

• Headaches, specifically often worse in the morning
• Seizures
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vision problems
• Difficulty with balance and coordination
• Speech problems (aphasia)
• Weakness or numbness in one side of the body (Hemiparesis)
• Personality or cognitive changes

Primary v. Secondary Brain Cancers

There are generally two main categories of brain cancers:

• Primary brain tumors: These originate within the brain itself. The most common type of primary brain tumor is a glioma, which arises from glial cells. Gliomas have various grades, with higher grades indicating more aggressive behavior. Examples include astrocytoma, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), oligodendroglioma, and ependymoma.
• Secondary brain tumors: These begin as cancers elsewhere in the body, such as lung or breast cancer, and then spread (metastasize) to the brain. Secondary brain tumors are more common than primary ones.

Diagnosing Brain Cancers

Diagnosing brain cancer often involves a collaborative effort between various specialists. Neurologists, who specialize in the nervous system, and neurosurgeons, who perform brain surgery, are often involved.

Here are some key tests used for diagnosis:

• Neurological exam: This assesses your mental function, reflexes, and coordination.
• Imaging tests: CT scan or MRI scan can reveal the presence and location of a tumor.
• Biopsy: A small tissue sample is extracted from the tumor and examined under a microscope to confirm cancer and determine its type.
• Lumbar puncture: This test analyzes cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord for abnormalities.

Brain Cancer Stages

Once a brain cancer diagnosis is confirmed, doctors determine the stage of the cancer. Staging helps establish the extent of the cancer’s spread and guides treatment decisions. The most commonly used system for brain tumors assigns Roman numerals (I to IV) with higher numbers indicating a more advanced stage.

Treatments

The course of treatment for brain cancer depends on the type, stage, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. Here are some common treatment options:

• Surgery: Aims to remove all or part of the tumor.
• Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Employs drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
• Targeted therapy: Utilizes drugs that target specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells.

Additional Help

A brain cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but there are resources available to help patients and their families navigate this challenging journey.

• Support groups: Connecting with other brain cancer survivors and their loved ones can provide emotional support and a sense of community.
• Cancer treatment centers: Many cancer treatment centers offer resources like patient navigators, social workers, and counselors to assist with the physical and emotional aspects of the disease.
• Online resources: Reputable organizations like the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) provide valuable information and support services.

Medical Malpractice with the Baltimore Brain Cancer Lawyer

In some cases, delayed or missed diagnoses of brain cancer can lead to legal action against healthcare providers. Here are some potential grounds for medical malpractice claims:

• Failure to order appropriate diagnostic tests: If a doctor fails to order necessary tests despite a patient exhibiting concerning symptoms, it could be considered negligence.
• Misinterpretation of test results: If a doctor misinterprets a test result that could have indicated a brain tumor, then it may be seen as malpractice.
• Delay in referral to a specialist: A delay in referring a patient with possible brain cancer to a neurologist or neurosurgeon also could have significant consequences.

It’s important to note that medical malpractice claims are complex and success depends on proving several factors:

• Doctor-patient relationship: Firstly, a formal doctor-patient relationship must exist for a claim to proceed.
• Breach of duty: The healthcare provider also must have deviated from the accepted standard of care in diagnosing or treating the patient’s brain cancer.
• Causation: The doctor’s negligence further must have caused or worsened the patient’s condition.
• Damages: The patient must have suffered harm, such as additional medical expenses, pain, and suffering, or lost income due to the delayed diagnosis.

You can read more about each of these elements one the medical malpractice page of this site.

Next Step: Call the Baltimore Brain Cancer Lawyer

If you suspect a doctor’s negligence contributed to a delayed brain cancer diagnosis, then consulting with a medical malpractice attorney is crucial. The Kopec Law Firm specializes in healthcare-related legal issues and can assess your situation, advise you of your rights, and also guide you through the legal process.

For advice on your specific situation, 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.