Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer and Medical Malpractice: Understanding Your Rights with the Baltimore Ovarian Cancer Lawyer

The Kopec Law Firm provides this webpage to help you understand ovarian cancer and your legal rights. Ovarian cancer is a serious illness affecting the female reproductive system. It is a type of cancer that originates in the ovaries, the female reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs and hormones. It can be aggressive, highlighting the importance of awareness and proactive measures. This webpage provides information on ovarian cancer, diagnosis, treatment options, and potential medical malpractice claims. Early detection is crucial for a better prognosis. Accordingly, if you have been the victim of a misdiagnosis of ovarian cancer, contact the Baltimore ovarian cancer lawyer at the Kopec Law Firm.

Understanding the Ovaries

The ovaries are two small, almond-shaped organs located in the lower abdomen, one on each side of the uterus. They produce eggs (ovum) essential for reproduction and hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle.

Symptoms

Early detection of ovarian cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Some common signs and symptoms to be especially aware of include:

• Pelvic or abdominal pain, discomfort, or bloating
• Changes in eating habits, such as feeling full quickly or losing appetite, or persistent bloating
• Vaginal bleeding, spotting or discharge, especially outside your menstrual cycle or after menopause
• Difficulty urinating or increased urination frequency and urgency
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea
• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Pain during intercourse
• Fatigue
• Back pain

If you experience any of these symptoms persistently, then it’s crucial for a doctor to conduct a proper evaluation.

Doctors to See and Diagnosis

Diagnosing ovarian cancer often involves a physical examination and a combination of tests performed by a gynecologist, a doctor specializing in the female reproductive system. These tests may include:

• Pelvic exam: During a pelvic exam, the doctor physically examines your reproductive organs to check for any abnormalities.
• Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan can help visualize the ovaries and surrounding tissues to detect tumors or fluid buildup.
• Blood tests: While no specific blood test definitively diagnoses ovarian cancer, certain markers can raise suspicion, prompting further investigation. The CA-125 blood test measures a protein level that is elevated in some ovarian cancers.
• Biopsy.: In some cases, removing a tissue sample for microscopic examination may be necessary to confirm a cancer diagnosis. The doctor can do this through laparoscopy (a minimally invasive surgery) or laparotomy (open surgery through an incision).

Stages of Ovarian Cancer

The stage of ovarian cancer refers to the extent of its spread. Knowing the stage helps determine the most appropriate treatment course:

• Stage I: Cancer is confined to one or both ovaries.
• Stage II: Cancer has spread beyond the ovaries to the uterus, fallopian tubes or other tissues within the pelvis.
• Stage III: Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen or other distant organs.
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs beyond the abdomen and lymph nodes.

Treatment Options

The treatment plan for ovarian cancer is typically customized based on the stage, type, and individual patient factors. Some common treatment options include:

• Surgery: This may involve removing one or both ovaries, the fallopian tubes and the uterus. In some cases, additional tissue removal such as lymph nodes may be necessary depending on the cancer’s extent.
• Chemotherapy: Medications are used to kill cancer cells and may be administered before or after surgery.
• Targeted therapy: These drugs target specific abnormalities in cancer cells, offering a more personalized approach to treatment.
• Radiation therapy: High-energy beams are used to damage and destroy cancer cells, often used in combination with other therapies.

Outcomes

The earlier ovarian cancer is detected, the better the prognosis. Early-stage ovarian cancer has a higher survival rate compared to advanced stages. It’s important to discuss your specific case and prognosis with your doctor.

The five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer varies significantly depending on the stage at diagnosis. Early detection is crucial, as the five-year survival rate jumps from 42% for Stage III to 92% for Stage I.

Additional Considerations from the Baltimore Ovarian Cancer Lawyer

• Genetic testing: If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, then genetic testing can help assess your risk and potentially guide preventive measures.
• Support groups: Connecting with other individuals navigating ovarian cancer can provide emotional support and valuable information.

Medical Malpractice Claims in Ovarian Cancer Cases

If you believe your ovarian cancer diagnosis was delayed or missed due to medical negligence, you might have a medical malpractice claim. Here are some potential grounds for such claims:

• Failure to Order Proper Tests: A doctor failing to order necessary tests like ultrasounds or blood work despite presenting symptoms.
• Misinterpretation of Test Results: Misreading or overlooking concerning results on imaging tests or blood work.
• Failure to Recommend Biopsy: Not recommending a biopsy despite suspicious findings during a physical exam or imaging tests.
• Surgical Errors: Errors during surgery, such as damaging other organs or incomplete removal of cancerous tissue.

You can more details about a claim on the medical malpractice page and the various phases of a medical malpractice lawsuit on the litigation process pages of this website.

Next Step: Contact the Baltimore Ovarian Cancer Lawyer

If you suspect medical malpractice may have contributed to your ovarian cancer diagnosis or delayed treatment, it’s crucial to consult with a medical malpractice attorney experienced in such cases. We can evaluate your situation, determine if you have a valid claim, and guide you through the legal process.

Visit the Kopec Law Firm 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.