Medical Malpractice and Oncology

What crucial role does a medical oncologist play in the treatment of cancer?

A CT scan showing a malignant mesothelioma.

Medical oncologists are doctors who have gone through specialized training in the field of cancer management. Since cancer has gradually changed into a multidisciplinary field, it requires different inputs from the different branches of medicine. The medical oncologist is responsible in managing the different doctors involved and supervising the entire treatment program.

Analysis

St. Louis medical malpractice attorneys believe that some general principles have to be considered when evaluating whether the cancer diagnosis and treatment conform to the generally-accepted medical care standards. Did the doctor recognize the traditional cancer signs and were these signs addressed adequately? An irregular lump on the breast or inexplicable bleeding from any opening in the body is one example of these signs. Although the assessment of these signs is essential, it should not be the only way to determine whether there were issues in providing medical care or not.

Cancer Treatment

It is important to consider whether the cancer can be treated. Would the nature of the disease change due to the treatment? Cancer diagnosis may have some inaccuracies. But, some reliable therapies are available for some kinds of cancers. One important thing to consider is whether the treatment will be affected by a delay in cancer diagnosis. Aggressive treatment may be necessary for some tumors that are not diagnosed immediately. For instance, surgery may be possible for colon cancer that is diagnosed early. However, aside from surgery, chemotherapy may be required if the disease is diagnosed at a later stage.

Changes That Can Be Documented

Another important facet in a number of cases is whether a documentable change in the condition of the cancer accompanies the delay in the diagnosis. The size of the tumor plays a crucial role in an impartial analysis for treatability and the final result. For instance, a breast lump is documented to be a particular size through a radiograph or physical examination, and no treatment was initiated. However, a later examination shows a considerable size increase. This delay in treatment will result to a decrease in the treatability of the disease. Conclusive statements in the progress of the tumor during the delay period cannot be made since it is impossible to determine the stage of the tumor when it was initially discovered.

Some cancers can be treated, including diseases that spread easily like Hodgkin’s disease, a number of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, and testicular cancer. There is greater liability in these cases. However, a number of cancers may have a smaller chance of treatment. One major example is lung cancer. Any errors in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases may have no significant effects on the final result of the treatment program.

The Need For Individual Assessment

Due to the complicated nature of cancer patient evaluation, it should be re-assessed individually. The best specialist to assess these cases is a medical oncologist. Cancer is expected to become the leading cause of death in the US in four or five years and it will also become the main reason for hospital admission. Due to this, an increase in cases associated with the treatment of these patients is expected by legal professionals.

If someone close to you has become a victim of medical negligence of an oncologist, consult with Zevan and Davidson Law Firm at (314) 588-7200.

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