Kidney Cancer

Medical Malpractice with the Baltimore Kidney Cancer Lawyer

Understanding the Kidney

The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. They play a vital role in the body’s filtration system, removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood. This process generally helps regulate blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production. Cancer can form in the kidneys and delayed diagnosis can result in medical malpractice. If you have been injured, then you may need the Baltimore kidney cancer lawyer at the Kopec Law Firm.

Types of Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer can arise from various types of cells within the kidney. Generally, the most common types include:

• Renal cell carcinoma (RCC): This is the most prevalent form of kidney cancer, accounting for about 85% of cases. It can occur in different cell types, such as clear cell renal cell carcinoma, papillary renal cell carcinoma, and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma.
• Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC): This type of cancer typically affects the lining of the renal pelvis, which is the part of the kidney that collects urine.
• Collecting duct carcinoma: This is a rare type of kidney cancer that arises from the collecting ducts, which are tubes that carry urine from the nephrons (the functional units of the kidney) to the renal pelvis.

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

As kidney cancer tumor grows, they can lead to the following signs and symptoms:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Pain in the side or back
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Night sweats

Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. The diagnosis of kidney cancer typically involves a combination of the following tests:

• Physical exam: A doctor will examine your abdomen for any abnormalities, such as a mass.
• Imaging tests: These may include CT scans, MRI scans, or ultrasounds to visualize the kidneys and detect any tumors.
• Blood tests: Blood tests can help assess your kidney function and check for markers of cancer.
• Biopsy: A biopsy involves taking a tissue sample from the tumor for microscopic examination to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of Kidney Cancer

The appropriate treatment for kidney cancer depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and your overall health. Common treatment options include:

• Surgery: This is often the primary treatment for localized kidney cancer. It may involve removing the entire kidney (nephrectomy) or a portion of the kidney (partial nephrectomy).
• Chemotherapy: This involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used in combination with surgery or radiation therapy for advanced-stage kidney cancer.
• Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It may be used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy for certain types of kidney cancer.
• Targeted therapy: This involves using drugs that target specific molecules involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: This stimulates the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.

Prognosis and Outcomes

The prognosis for kidney cancer varies depending on several factors, including the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and the effectiveness of the treatment. In general, early detection and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis.

Medical Malpractice Claims with the Baltimore Kidney Cancer Lawyer

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide reasonable care, resulting in harm to a patient. In the context of kidney cancer, potential medical malpractice claims generally may arise from:

• Delayed diagnosis: If a healthcare provider fails to diagnose kidney cancer in a timely manner, then leading to the progression of the disease and worse outcomes.
• Misdiagnosis: If a healthcare provider misdiagnoses kidney cancer as another condition, resulting in delayed or inappropriate treatment.
• Surgical Errors: If a surgeon makes mistakes during surgery, such as leaving behind tumor tissue or damaging nearby organs.
• Failure to monitor treatment: If a healthcare provider fails to monitor a patient’s response to treatment, then leading to complications or worsened condition.
• Failure to obtain informed consent: If a healthcare provider fails to obtain informed consent from a patient before performing a procedure or treatment.

Next Step: Call the Baltimore Kidney Cancer Lawyer

If you believe you may have been a victim of medical malpractice related to kidney cancer, then it is important to consult with a medical malpractice attorney. We can help you assess your case and determine whether you have a valid claim.

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.