Delayed or Missed Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

Ovarian cancer is one of the most serious and potentially deadly cancers affecting women. Early detection and treatment are critical to improving survival rates and reducing the impact of the disease. Tragically, though, errors and oversights often lead to malignancies going unnoticed, and a delayed or missed ovarian cancer diagnosis can result in ovarian cancer progressing to advanced stages, where treatment options are limited and less effective. If you or a loved one were harmed due to a failure to diagnose ovarian cancer promptly, you may be entitled to compensation, and it is in your best interest to talk to an attorney. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano LLP Cancer Lawyers, our capable Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys are mindful of the devastation preventable medical errors can cause, and if you engage our services, we will help you pursue the justice you deserve. We regularly represent victims of medical malpractice in Syracuse, Rochester, and Upstate New York.

Ovarian cancer often presents with nonspecific symptoms, such as bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating, or urinary urgency, which can be mistaken for less serious conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or urinary tract infections. Medical professionals are expected to recognize these potential signs, take thorough patient histories, and order appropriate tests, such as ultrasounds, blood tests, or CT scans, to confirm or rule out ovarian cancer.

A delayed or missed ovarian cancer diagnosis can occur when doctors fail to properly evaluate symptoms, dismiss complaints without conducting further testing, or misinterpret diagnostic results. For example, a healthcare provider might overlook a patient’s risk factors, such as a family history of ovarian or related cancers, or fail to thoroughly investigate persistent symptoms. Delays can also occur when test results are misread or not communicated to the patient promptly. In some cases, a doctor may misdiagnose ovarian cancer as another condition, leading to unnecessary treatments for unrelated issues while the cancer remains undetected and progresses.

A delayed or missed ovarian cancer diagnosis often causes permanent losses and, in many instances, is grounds for pursuing a medical malpractice claim. Generally, a plaintiff in a medical malpractice case will assert a negligence claim against the defendant.

Under New York law, to succeed on such a claim, the plaintiff must first prove that the defendant owed them a duty and that the defendant subsequently breached the duty owed. The duty a healthcare provider owes a patient is to provide care that falls under what is considered the accepted and good practice of medicine. In the context of ovarian cancer, this likely means a provider must recognize symptoms, consider risk factors, and order diagnostic procedures consistent with the standard of care.

Any actions or omissions that fall short of the accepted standard of care would arguably be considered a breach. Examples of breaches include failing to order necessary imaging studies or blood tests, dismissing symptoms without adequate investigation, or misreading diagnostic results.

The plaintiff must then show causation, meaning the plaintiff must prove that the provider’s breach directly caused them to suffer harm and actual damages. In ovarian cancer cases, this typically involves demonstrating that the delay in diagnosis allowed the cancer to progress to a more advanced stage, reducing the patient’s chances of recovery and necessitating more invasive treatments.

Expert testimony is often required to establish how the provider’s actions deviated from the standard of care and to quantify the harm caused.

Victims of medical malpractice in ovarian cancer cases may recover compensation for a variety of losses. Economic damages often include medical expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs. Non-economic damages are awarded to compensate for the more subjective impacts of medical negligence, including physical pain, emotional suffering, and the loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, the patient’s family may also pursue wrongful death damages if the delayed diagnosis resulted in the patient’s death, covering losses such as funeral expenses and the loss of companionship.

A delayed or missed ovarian cancer diagnosis can have devastating consequences for patients and their loved ones. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a healthcare provider’s failure to diagnose ovarian cancer in a timely manner, it is crucial to seek legal guidance. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano LLP Cancer Lawyers, our knowledgeable Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys are committed to providing compassionate and effective representation for families affected by medical negligence, and if you hire us, we will work tirelessly to seel the compensation you deserve. We regularly represent clients in Syracuse, as well as in Rochester and other cities throughout Upstate New York. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, please use our online form or call us at 833-200-2000.