Ovarian cancer is a malignant, cancerous growth on one or both of a woman’s ovaries which can spread throughout the body to other organs and tissues. In some cases, the cancer enters the bloodstream or lymphatic system where it is then carried to other parts of the body.
As many as two out of every one thousand women will develop this condition. Survival depends largely on early diagnosis. Ovarian cancer medical negligence sometimes causes a delay in diagnosis, inflicting the patient with avoidable pain, suffering and financial hardship.
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Risk Factors
While the cause of ovarian cancer remains unknown, there are certain risk factors of which healthcare professionals should be aware :-
- a family history of cancer
- first-degree relative who had ovarian cancer
- being over the age of 50
- having had breast cancer or colon cancer
- never having had children
- undergoing hormone replacement therapy
- using fertility drugs
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Signs and Symptoms
Unfortunately, it is difficult to detect ovarian cancer in its earliest stages. In many cases, the woman doesn’t exhibit any of the common symptoms until the cancer is in an advanced stage. These signs and symptoms can include :-
- diarrhea
- frequent urination
- constipation
- nausea
- abdominal pain
- weight loss or weight gain
- bloating
- loss of appetite
- abnormal vaginal bleeding
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Testing
Tests used to diagnose ovarian cancer include :-
- scans
- biopsies
- ultrasound scans
- blood tests
- examination of the ovaries, uterus, vagina, bladder, rectum and fallopian tubes
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What is Clinical Negligence?
This occurs when the actions of a healthcare provider do not comport with the accepted standards of care in the medical profession. In order to have a claim, it must be shown that medical negligence caused harm to the patient and this can include delayed treatment, misdiagnosis, prescription errors, failure to perform appropriate tests, improper treatment and incorrect diagnosis.
With regard to ovarian cancer, medical negligence poses a grave risk. Negligence on the part of the healthcare provider can cause a delay in diagnosis which could cost the patient their life. Suffering and financial hardship are lessened, and the patient’s chances for recovery are increased, when ovarian cancer is detected early.
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Specialist Solicitors
If your ovarian cancer resulted from, or worsened because of, medical negligence, contact us today. We can help you get the compensation you deserve. All of solicitors are medical negligence specialists and will provide you with the highest quality legal representation. All cases are taken on the basis of contingency fee arrangements. That means you only pay your lawyer if your case is successful and you obtain compensation. Our solicitors provide free legal advice on all matters related to medical negligence claims.
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