Pancreatic Cancer and Medical Malpractice

In 2016, pancreatic cancer became the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, going up one spot from its number four position and surpassing breast cancer. This cancer is reported to be the 11^th most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and 9^th in the women population.

It was estimated that in 2016, 53,070 people in the US will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and there will be 41,780 deaths due to the cancer. 71% of patients will die within the first year of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Early Symptoms or Warning Signs of Pancreatic Cancer

The average general health article on the topic of pancreatic cancer states that this form of cancer does not have early symptoms. In the majority of cases, people who are diagnosed with this cancer are already in the advanced stages by the time it is caught, and the prognosis is typically death within 5 years.

With quite a few people dying of pancreatic cancer, including celebrities like Patrick Swayze and Steve Jobs, more people are starting to ask, "Are there any early signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer?" The answer is yes. Some of the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:

• Diabetes, especially a sudden onset of the disease
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to jaundice
• Abdominal pain
• Itchy soles of feet, palms, and skin
• An enlarged gall bladder
• Lack of appetite
• Sudden, unexplained loss of weight
• Changes in taste
• Floating stools that are pale in color and with a foul smell (a different type of foul smell)
• Stools that are dark and tarry

What You should do if You Experience these Symptoms

If you are worried about these signs and symptoms, you should document the symptoms you experience and report them to your healthcare provider with as many details as you can provide. If your healthcare provider is convinced that your concerns are legitimate, tests such as a CT scan, an endoscopy and an ultrasound, followed by a biopsy can be used to look for a pancreatic tumor.

Nowadays, doctors conduct a specialized blood test to identify and evaluate the levels of a biomarker known as CA 19-9 released by the cancer cells.

You should note that by the time the levels of the bio marker CA 19-9 are actually detectable, the cancer is not in the early stage anymore, but this blood test comes in handy during treatment of the cancer and for the detection of recurrence. There is also another biomarker test known as carcinoembryonic antigen, or CEA, that is not as sensitive enough in order to provide early diagnosis.

RMFW Law - Make the Call Today!

If you or someone you know suffers harm as a result of delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of pancreatic cancer, you should take the assistance of a qualified and skilled medical malpractice lawyer at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff Law firm at 212-344-1000. You can have all your medical documents looked at and determine if you have a viable case.

The first meeting will cost you nothing. Call us up and let us hear what you have to say. Your doctor may not be cooperative anymore. This is now a legal situation. We have won millions of dollars for past clients, you too can be on this sparkling list. Call RMFW Law now!