Screening and Treatment Guidelines for Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer diagnoses have increased in recent years, and while people diagnosed in early stages generally can expect good outcomes, those not diagnosed until the cancer has progressed may not fare as well. While doctors have established screening and treatment guidelines for kidney cancer, there are instances where they fail to adhere to these protocols. Such lapses can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, potentially worsening the patient's prognosis. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a physician’s negligence in diagnosing and treating kidney cancer, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The skilled Syracuse medical malpractice lawyers at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano LLP Cancer Lawyers are dedicated to helping those harmed by substandard cancer care, and if we represent you, we will work tirelessly to help you pursue any damages you may be owed.

Kidney cancer, also known as renal carcinoma, generally arises in adults, although it can affect children as well. Early detection and appropriate management are vital to improving survival rates, and therefore, it is critical that doctors adhere to established screening and treatment protocols.

Although routine screening for kidney cancer is not generally recommended for the average-risk population, individuals with specific risk factors, such as a family history of kidney cancer, inherited syndromes, or long-term dialysis, should undergo regular monitoring.

Cancer-focused organizations provide detailed treatment guidelines for doctors caring for patients with kidney cancer. These guidelines typically suggest a combination of surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and, in some instances, radiation therapy, depending on the cancer’s stage and the patient’s overall health. The treatment plan is often personalized, taking into account the tumor's size, location, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

Following treatment and screening guidelines for kidney cancer is crucial for maximizing patient outcomes and survival rates.

In cases where a doctor deviates from the established screening and treatment guidelines for kidney cancer and a patient suffers harm as a result, the patient may have grounds for pursuing medical malpractice claims.

To succeed in a medical malpractice lawsuit, the plaintiff typically must show that the defendant was negligent. Under New York law, this means that the plaintiff must prove that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty. Generally, the duty a healthcare provider owes a plaintiff is to adhere to the standard of care, which is what is considered the good and accepted practice of medicine in the relevant medical community. The plaintiff then must show that the defendant breached this duty and that the breach directly caused the plaintiff to suffer actual harm.

To prove these elements, especially in complex medical malpractice cases, the plaintiff typically needs to present expert testimony. This testimony helps establish what care the defendant should have offered in accordance with the standard of care and how the defendant’s actions or omissions fell short of this standard, leading to the patient’s injuries.

The amount of compensation typically awarded in medical malpractice cases depends on the extent of the harm suffered by the plaintiff. Damages in medical malpractice cases can include both economic losses, such as medical expenses, out-of-pocket costs, and lost income, and non-economic losses, such as suffering, pain and emotional distress.

Adhering to screening and treatment guidelines for kidney cancer is critical for ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients. When healthcare providers fail to follow these guidelines, the consequences can be devastating. If you or someone you love has been injured due to negligent medical care, it is in your best interest to consult an attorney. The knowledgeable Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano LLP Cancer Lawyers have extensive experience handling cases involving cancer mismanagement, and if we represent you, we will advocate zealously on your behalf. Our firm represents clients in Syracuse, where our main office is located, as well as in Rochester and other cities throughout Upstate New York. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, you can contact us through our online form or by calling 833-200-2000.