Failure to Diagnose Esophageal Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), almost 15,000 new cases of esophageal cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. in each year.

Esophageal cancer occurs in the tube that connects the throat to the stomach and is three to four times likelier to occur in men than in women, and 50% more likely among blacks than whites. Among blacks, the most common type of esophageal cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, whereas among whites, it is adenocarcinoma.

Although in the U.S. the general population is not screened for early detection of esophageal cancer, a doctor who does not screen a patient with a high risk factor, such as one with Barrett esophagus, or who fails to recognize the symptoms, may be negligent and liable for medical malpractice.

People with high risk factors (such as tylosis) should regularly have endoscopic examinations (a flexible lighted tube is inserted to look inside the esophagus) and biopsies (examination of a small sample tissue under the microscope).

Symptoms of esophageal cancer may include:

Esophageal cancer is particularly dangerous because by the time it is detected, it is often in its advanced stages. Clinical advances, however, have improved the ability to prevent, treat, or even cure many types of esophageal cancer. Even when a cure is not available, it is often possible to improve the afflicted person's quality of life through treatment. The key is early detection, and if a healthcare professional negligently failed to diagnose the illness in a timely manner, a lawsuit to recover damages may be warranted.

There are numerous tests that are used to diagnose esophageal cancer. The kind of test employed will usually depend on the patient's physical examination and medical history. The tests may include:

With better detection, survival rates have been increasing for decades. Prevention is not possible since the exact causes of esophageal cancer are not known. There are, however, additional recognized risk factors that contribute to esophageal cancer, which include smoking, heavy or chronic use of alcohol, long-term irritation of the esophagus, and previous history of other head and neck cancers.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, the failure to diagnose esophageal cancer, then contact our experienced personal injury attorneys today.