According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), seven percent of all cancer-related deaths are due to pancreatic cancer. The ACS estimates that approximately 44,330 people will die this year as a result of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer occurs in the tissue of the pancreas, which is located in the abdominal cavity. The pancreas is responsible for helping to manage blood sugar.
Typically, pancreatic cancer spreads quickly and, as a result, is not likely detected in the early stages. For this reason, a timely diagnosis is key to saving a person’s life. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include the following:
- Upper abdominal pain;
- Lower back pain;
- Loss of appetite;
- Sudden weight loss;
- Mood swings or depression;
- Onset diabetes;
- Fatigue;
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes, among others.
Adequate testing for pancreatic cancer is vital to detecting the disease and beginning treatment promptly. Certain increased risk factors for pancreatic cancer include the following:
- Smoking;
- Obesity;
- A family history of pancreatic cancer;
- Diabetes;
- Chronic pancreatitis;
- Cirrhosis;
- Gastroenterology problems, among others.
These are key signs that a doctor should be looking for in a patient who may be at risk of developing or having pancreatic cancer. If a doctor fails to test for pancreatic cancer in a patient who exhibits these signs or fails to diagnose pancreatic cancer in a timely manner, the patient may have a claim based on negligence.
In New York State, a victim of a delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis may be entitled to recover damages for the harm they have suffered. When a healthcare provider fails to meet the appropriate standard of care and causes harm to a patient, the injured individual may be entitled to recover damages. This may include compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses;
- Pain and suffering;
- Rehabilitation; and
- Lost wages, among others.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of a delay in diagnosis or misdiagnosis of pancreatic cancer, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney to pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. Goldberg Sager & Associates has experience handling personal injury cases involving negligence and is dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible outcome. Contact the attorneys at Goldberg Sager & Associates at 718-645-6677 for a free phone consultation.
