Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

The signs and symptoms of breast cancer can be subtle, but to trained medical professionals, they should be an indication to take immediate action to determine if their patients have a life-threatening disease. When healthcare providers overlook or misinterpret these vital warning signs, the results can be catastrophic, as patients who might have otherwise had a favorable prognosis may instead face life-altering complications or death. In many instances, such oversights constitute medical malpractice. If you experienced harm due to a healthcare provider’s negligence in addressing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, you may be entitled to significant compensation, and you should speak to an attorney. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano LLP Cancer Lawyers, our Syracuse breast cancer malpractice attorneys focus on representing individuals harmed by careless healthcare providers, and if you represent you, we will fight to help you seek a just outcome. We proudly serve clients across Syracuse, Rochester, and the greater Upstate New York area.

The signs and symptoms of breast cancer vary from patient to patient, but there are several common indicators that healthcare professionals are trained to identify and evaluate. These include a palpable lump in the breast or underarm, nipple discharge (especially if bloody), unexplained changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling resembling an orange peel, redness or scaliness on the breast or nipple, and persistent breast pain. Any of these signs should prompt a thorough clinical investigation.

Physicians are expected to promptly order appropriate diagnostic tests such as mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRIs, followed by a biopsy if warranted. These tools are essential to determine whether an abnormality is benign or malignant. When doctors fail to recognize the importance of these warning signs or neglect to pursue diagnostic testing, breast cancer may progress unchecked. 

The consequences of ignoring the signs and symptoms of breast cancer are profound: early-stage cancer, which is often treatable with limited surgery or localized radiation, may evolve into advanced-stage cancer requiring mastectomy, systemic chemotherapy, or other invasive procedures. Moreover, delayed diagnoses increase the risk of metastasis to the bones, liver, lungs, or brain, significantly lowering survival rates and diminishing a patient’s quality of life. 

Patients harmed by a provider’s failure to diagnose or treat breast cancer will often seek justice via medical malpractice claims. Typically, to demonstrate malpractice, a plaintiff must establish that the defendant healthcare provider was negligent. In New York, a key element of negligence is the existence of a duty of care. Doctors, radiologists, and other healthcare providers owe patients a duty to adhere to the generally accepted standards within their medical specialty, which is what a competent medical professional would consider the accepted and good practice of medicine. 

The plaintiff then must prove that the defendant breached the duty owed by failing to meet the standard of care. Common breaches in breast cancer cases include disregarding patient complaints, misreading mammograms, delaying referrals to specialists, or neglecting to follow up on abnormal test results. 

Next, the plaintiff must show causation, which means they must demonstrate that the breach directly led to the progression of the cancer or worsened the patient’s condition. Finally, the plaintiff needs to demonstrate that they sustained measurable harm. 

Expert testimony is indispensable in New York medical malpractice claims. Qualified medical experts can assess whether the defendant’s actions deviated from the standard of care and testify about how that deviation caused the patient’s injuries. Without expert input, plaintiffs are unlikely to meet the burden of proof required to prevail in court.

A plaintiff who shows a defendant’s negligence may be awarded compensation for their economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost income, and the cost of future care, while non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. In egregious cases involving reckless or grossly negligent conduct, punitive damages may also be available.

Failing to properly identify and act on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer can lead to devastating and life-altering consequences. If you or a loved one sustained losses because a healthcare provider failed to take the necessary steps to diagnose breast cancer, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. The attorneys at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano LLP Cancer Lawyers understand how deeply medical malpractice affects individuals and their families. We are committed to advocating for patients harmed by negligent medical care, and if you hire us, we will vigorously pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Our Syracuse breast cancer malpractice attorneys proudly serve clients in Syracuse, Rochester, and throughout Upstate New York. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation by calling 833-200-2000 or completing our online form.