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A recent article has reviewed how the failure to recognise an ovarian tumour on a routine scan has led to terminal illness. Regrettably, this case of medical negligence has left the patient with lifelong difficulties and in an incurable condition.
Ovarian cancer occurs when cells in or around the ovaries mutate in their DNA. The mutations tell the cell to grow and multiply at a faster rate creating a mass tumour of cancer.
There are four main recognised types of ovarian cancers. Epithelial ovarian cancer starts in the cells covering the ovaries and is the most common type.
Germ cell ovarian tumours are rare and usually affect girls and women up to their early 30s.
Sex cord stromal tumours are another type of ovarian cancer and can be either benign (non- cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Finally, borderline ovarian tumours are abnormal cells that form in the tissue covering the ovary. They can also be non-cancerous and are usually managed via surgery.
Ovarian cancer is the 6th most common cancer in females in the UK. There are around 7,500 new ovarian cancer cases diagnosed in the UK every year; this averages as 21 new cases every day. Ovarian cancer mainly affects women over the age of 50 and can sometimes run in families.
Ovarian cancer symptoms can vary; however, the main symptoms can include:
Early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is vital and can give better outcomes from treatment plans and better survival rates. It also decreases the chance of the cancer spreading. This can be lifesaving.
Only 20% of ovarian cancers are detected at an early stage (stage 1). The reason for this is because there is no reliable screening for ovarian cancer and many symptoms of ovarian cancer tend to be vague and easily ignored.
Raised CA125 levels detected in bloodwork can be indicative of ovarian cancer, but is not always diagnostic. Some women with raised levels can have other gynaecological issues such as endometriosis or fibroids and ovarian cancer can potentially be missed if not appropriately followed up on.
Treatment for ovarian cancer will depend on the size and the type of ovarian cancer, where the cancer is, if it has spread, and the patient’s general health. The main treatment is surgery (removal of both ovaries and the fallopian tube, and/or the cervix and womb) and chemotherapy. Other treatments include targeted medicines and hormone treatments.
The patient will have regular check ups during and after these treatments in case there are any side effects, and they may be followed up with more tests and scans.
It is important for all women to be aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer no matter their age. Investigation of symptoms at the earliest possible stage will inevitably be vital for early diagnosis enabling treatment to be more prompt giving a higher survival chance.
If, in the unfortunate event occurs, and you believe you have been exposed to medical negligence in the misdiagnosis of ovarian cancer or any other form of medical negligence, and you intend to make a claim, it is important to seek legal advice. It is appreciated that illnesses, such as ovarian cancer at an advanced stage can significantly impact your day-to-day life, your quality of life and other factors such as your ability to work. Seeking professional advice from specialist medical negligence lawyers can help you navigate your way through a claim for compensation to assist you in your journey to justice for being exposed to negligent health care.
If you believe you have been exposed to medical negligence contact Nicholson Jones Sutton Solicitors for a free consultation. We are committed to helping you navigate this challenging time and seek the compensation you deserve.
If you would like to discuss an issue, please get in touch to arrange a free no obligation consultation. We’re available by email or phone.
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Rachel has been a specialist clinical negligence and dental negligence solicitor since 2014, as well as having had a number of years pre-qualification experience in this field also. Her practice has been solely claimant based and has an empathetic approach to navigating claims.
Her experience includes running high value obstetrics claims, as well as complex bariatric and orthopaedic cases to successful conclusion.
Rachel loves to travel and spent part of her undergraduate degree studying in the United States. She is an avid reader, and particularly enjoys the classics.