New Jersey Brain Cancer Misdiagnosis Attorneys
Representing Victims of Failure to Diagnose Brain Cancer Across New Jersey
Brain tumors can affect people of all ages, from young children to elderly adults. In fact, brain cancer is the most common form of cancer in individuals between infancy and age 19. It is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among those in the same age group. Although brain cancer is the most common killer of young cancer sufferers, it occurs most often in older adults. Due to the variability among brain cancer sufferers, the average age of diagnosis is 59. Equally variable are the specific types of brain tumors, with over 120 distinct types currently recognized by the medical community. Attacking patients from eight to eighty, brain cancer is often a silent killer that progresses rapidly and ravages the life of the sufferer. Since brain cancer can touch anyone, at any stage of life, it is crucial for doctors to identify the potential signs of a brain tumor as soon as possible, order appropriate testing, accurately interpret test results, and initiate immediate treatment. If medical professionals are negligent in performing any of these actions, patients can be left with little recourse and little chance of survival.
At Fronzuto Law Group, our skilled medical malpractice attorneys have a breadth of experience in the realm of cancer misdiagnosis litigation. Utilizing our extensive knowledge of the legal and medical nuances of these cases, as well as relationships with highly regarded experts, we construct the most compelling, evidence-based strategies to achieve maximum compensation for our clients. If you have lost a loved one or suffered harm as a result of cancer misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose cancer, our attorneys will serve as your unwavering advocates through every phase of the legal process. Our purpose is to provide support, advisement, and aggressive advocacy in pursuit of the justice our clients deserve. To discuss the circumstances of your case, or the cancer misdiagnosis of someone you love, schedule your free initial consultation today by calling 973-435-4551 (toll free at 888-409-0816) or contact us online.
Brain Tumors and Brain Cancer
A brain tumor is a growth of abnormal cells in the brain. When these cells become malignant, they cause brain cancer. Brain tumors occur in two distinct forms: primary and secondary. A primary brain tumor is a tumor that begins in the brain or its surrounding tissues. These tumors can occur in the brain-covering membranes (called meninges), cranial nerves, pituitary gland, or pineal gland. Primary brain tumors do not occur nearly as often as secondary brain tumors. Secondary brain tumors, also referred to as metastatic brain tumors, occur when cancer originates in another part of the body and spreads to the brain.
Symptoms of Brain Tumors and Brain Cancer
Brain cancer sufferers often assume their symptoms are caused by everyday maladies such as migraines or the flu. However, these symptoms can quickly progress to become more severe, ranging from numbness and tingling to blurred vision and slurred speech. When patients seek treatment, it is essential for doctors and other medical professionals to recognize symptoms and further investigate the possibility of a brain tumor. Some of the most common symptoms of brain tumors include:
- Severe headaches
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Seizures
- Fatigue
- Mental confusion
Failure to Diagnose and Misdiagnosis of Brain Cancer
Considering the above symptoms, doctors often misdiagnose brain cancer as other neurological conditions or more trivial illnesses. It is critical that they administer appropriate testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis. In order to confirm or rule-out brain tumors/cancer, doctors may conduct neurological exams to evaluate vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength, and reflexes. They may also use imaging tests such as MRI’s, CT scans, and PET scans to identify and visually examine brain tumors. Biopsies using small needles may also be used to test abnormal tissue. If doctors suspect that a brain tumor is a secondary tumor from cancer that originated elsewhere in the body, they may order additional tests to identify cancer in other locations.
Failure to diagnose brain cancer may result when a doctor neglects to order the above tests, which allows the cancer to linger and develop into a much graver condition. Misdiagnosis can also happen when medical professionals inaccurately interpret test results. In order to capitalize on all available treatment options, the tumor must be identified before it progresses into later stages. Additionally, negligence can occur during treatment for brain cancer. Among the potential treatments are: surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, radiosurgery, and targeted drug therapy.
Contact our NJ Failure to Diagnose Brain Cancer Lawyers for Answers
If a medical professional was delayed in diagnosing, failed to diagnose, or misdiagnosed a brain tumor and/or brain cancer in you or someone you love, you may have grounds for claim. Contact the experienced cancer misdiagnosis attorneys at Fronzuto Law Group to discuss your case and find the answers to your questions. A member of our legal team will outline your available legal options and provide you with a cost-free consultation.
