| Welcome to Medical Malpractice Lawyer | |
|---|---|
Esophageal cancerEsophageal cancer is cancer of the esophagus, or the tube connecting the throat to the stomach. A normally fatal disease, symptoms of esophageal cancer can include difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, pain in the throat or back, coughing up blood, a chronic cough, as well as other effects. Some people are at a higher risk for suffering esophageal cancer or will display symptoms that can indicate esophageal cancer might be present. Esophageal cancer affected 13,900 Americans in 2003 alone, and any present symptoms or risk factors for the disease should be immediately checked out. Of the 13,900 Americans affected by esophageal cancer in 2003, nearly all of them died according to the American Cancer Society. While it is unknown what factors directly cause esophageal cancer, there are contributing elements that have been shown to increase the risk of this type of cancer. Most recently, several studies presented at a meeting of cancer and gastrointestinal experts in New Orleans showed the consumption of soft drinks may be increasing the risks of esophageal cancer. Other recognizable factors that can increase instances of esophageal cancer can sometimes include smoking, consumption of large quantities of alcohol, patients over the age of 60, and esophageal cancer has been shown to be three times more common in men than in women. In many instances, esophageal cancer has already developed into later stages before it is discovered, which is why the prognosis is often so grim. The American Cancer Society has estimated that during 2004 there will be 13,300 esophageal cancer deaths. Survival rates for esophageal cancer has been improving over the years but the majority of patients still fail to recover. The high fatality rate for esophageal cancer makes it even more imperative that individuals with higher risk factors immediately seek a checkup if esophageal cancer symptoms appear. Diagnosing the cancer early can increase the chances of survival. Esophageal cancer litigation has occurred throughout the years because of allegations of malpractice or negligence contributing to the worsening of the disease. Proving a doctor failed to adequately address symptoms of esophageal cancer can be extremely difficult because of the absence of early detection tests to screen the general population for this type of cancer. This means that high risks people need to be followed closer alongside their medical doctor to ensure any changes are found as soon as possible. Doctors recommend people with Barrett's esophagus have an upper endoscopy and biopsy performed every two to three years. Treatment options for esophageal cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy. Usually, surgery is the most common treatment for esophageal cancer, which can result in the removal of the esophagus and reconnecting the healthy part of the esophagus to the stomach. Using photodynamic therapy is to aide the patient with swallowing easier, especially if surgery or radiation therapy is not being used. The devastation, in addition to the costs associated to esophageal cancer can be overwhelming. The failure to diagnose a disease is considered malpractice, and while seeking legal counsel can be difficult at such an emotional and physically draining time, the potential costs and damages suffered for family members can only add to the struggle. Not every instance of esophageal cancer delayed diagnosis will mean malpractice has occurred, but understanding your legal rights and options will allow a qualified medical malpractice attorney to review the events and determine if a strong case exists. For more information on esophageal cancer, please contact us to confer with an attorney. |
Medical Malpractice Lawyer is an informational resource regarding medical malpractice.  Would
you like a FREE, confidential consultation with a medical malpractice
lawyer in your area? click hereContact a medical malpractice lawyer if you have any questions regarding a medical malpractice case, we would be glad to help. We are very interested in your comments, questions and suggestions on how to improve and better serve you. The Resources contains links to general information sites regarding medical malpractice lawyers Los
Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer Further Legal Information Personal Injury Medical Malpractice |