New Jersey Uterine Cancer Misdiagnosis Attorneys

Representing Victims of Failure to Diagnose Uterine and Endometrial Cancer in New Jersey

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 35,000 women are diagnosed with uterine cancer each year. In fact, it is the most frequently diagnosed form of gynecologic cancer and is the fourth most common cancer in American women. Uterine cancer occurs when there is a malignant growth of cells in the tissue of the uterus. There are two primary types of uterine cancer: endometrial cancer, which occurs in the majority of cases, and uterine sarcomas, which occur in a small fraction of cases. Endometrial cancer is cancer that occurs in the lining of the uterus, while uterine sarcomas develop in the supporting connective tissue or the muscles of the uterus. If uterine cancer is detected and treated early, survival rates are high and prognosis can be promising. However, if medical professionals misdiagnose, fail to diagnose, or are delayed in diagnosing uterine cancer, it can quickly progress past the point of curability.

At Fronzuto Law Group, our highly experienced medical malpractice attorneys serve as aggressive advocates for victims and families who have suffered harm as a result of cancer misdiagnosis. Under the leadership of our firm’s founder, Ernest P. Fronzuto, who is Certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Civil Trial Attorney, we have achieved millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. For example, we have recovered significant compensation through both medical malpractice and wrongful death litigation in cases ranging from breast cancer to lung cancer. We understand the devastating implications of a cancer misdiagnosis for the patient and his or her loved ones and we are passionate about holding doctors and others accountable for their negligence. To discuss the circumstances of your case, or the cancer misdiagnosis of someone you love, schedule a free initial consultation with a skilled member of our legal team today by calling 973-435-4551 or contact us online.

Uterine and Endometrial Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors

Although uterine and endometrial cancer can develop in all women, there are a number of factors that place you at an increased risk for developing uterine cancer. As you age, your risk for uterine cancer increases. In fact, the majority of uterine cancers develop in women who have experienced, or are currently experiencing, menopause. In addition to being over the age of 50, other risk factors for uterine and endometrial cancer include:

• Having a family history of uterine, colon, or ovarian cancer
• Obesity
• Taking estrogen or undergoing hormone replacement during menopause
• Taking Tamoxifen (a drug used to treat certain types of breast cancer)
• Experiencing infertility
• Having fewer than 5 periods per year before menopause
• Never having children
• Previous pelvic radiation therapy

If you experience any of the following symptoms, your doctor should order tests to rule out uterine and endometrial cancer:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding: heavier bleeding, bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, or prolonged bleeding
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Pain or pressure in the pelvis
• Pain during intercourse
• Painful urination

Failure to Diagnose or Misdiagnosis of Uterine Cancer

Doctors may perform a variety of exams, tests, and procedures to confirm a uterine cancer diagnosis. Common tests include: pelvic exams, biopsies, MRI’s, and ultrasounds. If uterine cancer is confirmed, surgery is the most common form of intervention. Surgery may involve a hysterectomy, a procedure in which the entire uterus is removed. In certain cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes may be removed in addition to the uterus. Other treatments which may be ordered in addition to, or instead of, surgery include radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone replacement therapy. Failure to diagnose uterine and endometrial cancer, or delayed diagnosis, can significantly decrease the patient’s chance of survival and may lead to death.

In other cases, uterine cancer is misdiagnosed as another condition with similar symptoms. Specifically, uterine cancer can be misdiagnosed as any of the following conditions:

• Fibroids
• Endometrial hyperplasia
• Endometrial or cervical polyps
• Pelvic Inflammatory disease
• Sexually transmitted diseases

If uterine cancer is misdiagnosed, the patient may suffer complications from inappropriate treatment. Misdiagnosis may also allow the cancer to progress beyond the point at which treatment is viable.

Contact our NJ Failure to Diagnose Uterine Cancer Lawyers Today

If you or someone you love has suffered or died as a result of uterine cancer misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or failure to diagnose, we can help. Contact the skilled New Jersey medical malpractice attorneys at Fronzuto Law Group for immediate assistance. We provide cost-free consultations and will be happy to answer all of your questions.