New Jersey Stomach Cancer Misdiagnosis Attorneys
Representing Victims of Failure to Diagnose Stomach Cancer in New Jersey
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 26,370 people will be diagnosed with stomach cancer this year, and 10,730 will die from the disease. Stomach cancer, also referred to as gastric cancer, occurs when there is an over-production of cells in the stomach that become mutated. While stomach cancer occurs in a number of forms, between 90 and 95 percent of stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas. Adenocarcinomas develop in the innermost lining of the stomach, called the mucosa. In the United States, regular screening for stomach cancer is not the standard; however, doctors must recognize potential symptoms when they present, conduct a comprehensive medical history to identify possible risk factors, refer patients to gastroenterologists, and order appropriate tests to rule out or confirm this diagnosis. If doctors are negligent in fulfilling these responsibilities, the cancer can quickly progress beyond the point at which survival is a likely outcome. Such negligence may provide grounds for a medical malpractice or wrongful death lawsuit.
At Fronzuto Law Group, our skilled team of medical malpractice attorneys is dedicated to fighting for victims and families whose lives has been adversely impacted by cancer misdiagnosis. Led by Ernest P. Fronzuto, a New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Civil Trial Attorney, we utilize all of the knowledge, experience, and resources at our disposal to recover maximum compensation for our clients. For instance, our recent verdicts and settlements include nearly $1 million recoveries for victims who suffered harm due to delayed diagnosis of lung cancer and failure to diagnose breast cancer. When we take on your case, you become our priority, and we purposefully limit our case load to provide the utmost attention to each and every client. To discuss your potential cancer misdiagnosis claim and find the answers you need to move forward, schedule a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys today by calling our Passaic County, New Jersey offices at 973-435-4551 or contact us online.
Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer
Although any person can develop stomach cancer at any age, stomach cancer occurs more often in men than women. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that among the 26,370 people diagnosed with stomach cancer this year, 16,480 will be men and 9,890 will be women. Additionally, stomach occurs predominantly in older adults. The average age at diagnosis is 69, while approximately 6 out of 10 of those diagnosed are 65 or older. Aside from age and gender, there are a number of hereditary and environmental factors that are associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer, including:
- Obesity
- Tobacco use
- Family history of stomach cancer
- Diet high in nitrites (found in smoked, pickled, or salted foods)
- History of helicobacter pylori infection
- History of stomach lymphoma
- Previous stomach surgery
Stomach Cancer Symptoms
Stomach cancer can be difficult to diagnose because common symptoms overlap with many other, less severe conditions. Nevertheless, doctors must conduct a comprehensive family history to identify possible risk factors for stomach cancer and thoroughly investigate potential causes of your symptoms in order to diagnose stomach cancer as early as possible. If your symptoms persist without explanation, this should serve as a red flag that stomach cancer may be a possibility.
Some of the most common symptoms of stomach cancer include:
- Stomach/abdominal pain
- Reduced appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Premature fullness without eating large amounts of food
- Heartburn and/or indigestion
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Vomiting blood
- Swelling or bloating
- Anemia
Stomach Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing stomach cancer requires significant investigation. First and foremost, doctors must conduct a thorough medical history, including the patient’s individual history, family history, and current symptoms. After a physical exam, he or she will likely refer the patient to a gastroenterologist for further testing. A gastroenterologist should then conduct additional exams and tests to identify and confirm a stomach cancer diagnosis, which may include: a physical exam, blood tests, x-rays, CT scans, MRI’s, ultrasounds, an endoscopy, and biopsies. If and when a doctor confirms a stomach cancer diagnosis, there are a number of potential avenues for treatment. Depending on the circumstances of the specific case, a course of treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery.
Contact our NJ Failure to Diagnose Stomach Cancer Lawyers Today
If you or someone you love has suffered or died as a result of stomach cancer misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or failure to diagnose stomach cancer, our highly knowledgeable lawyers are available to assist you. Contact the New Jersey medical malpractice attorneys at Fronzuto Law Group for an honest assessment of your case. We provide cost-free consultations and will be happy to answer all of your questions.
For additional information regarding Stomach Cancer, access the following article: Stomach Cancer Detailed Guide, American Cancer Society
