UK LUNG CANCER SOLICITOR : COMPENSATION CLAIMS

Lung cancer is divided into two major types, which are described as 'non-small cell cancer' and 'small cell cancer', depending on the structure of the cells when viewed under a microscope. Each of these types of cancer grows and spreads in a different way and is treated differently. A biopsy which is the removal of a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist can confirm diagnosis. A number of procedures may be used to obtain this tissue:

• a bronchoscope which is a thin, illuminated tube is inserted into the mouth or nose and into the windpipe to look at the lungs. Small samples of tissue can also be collected
• a needle is inserted through the chest into the tumour to remove a sample of tissue
• a sample of the fluid that surrounds the lungs can be obtained through a hypodermic needle to check for cancer cells
• surgical procedures including laparoscopy can be used to obtain a tissue sample

Other tests can be used to determine the extent of the lung cancer including:

• CAT or CT scan which creates a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body
• MRI scan which makes magnetic images of areas inside the body
• radionuclide scanning which can show whether cancer has spread to other organs, such as the liver. A scanner measures and records the level of radioactivity in certain organs to reveal abnormality
• mediastinoscopy which can determine whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the chest by use of an instrument that is inserted through a small incision in the neck

The usual key to successful treatment is early diagnosis and if a health care professional has failed through their negligence to diagnose the illness in a timely manner then compensation may be payable for the worsening of the illness. Medical negligence is a broad term used to describe any treatment, lack of treatment, or other departure from accepted standards of medical care, health care, or safety on the part of a health care provider which causes harm to a patient. Lung cancer related medical negligence can include misdiagnosis, improper treatment, failure to treat, delay in treatment, failure to perform appropriate follow-up and prescription errors. Many medical mistakes can lead to a delay in diagnosis which may deprive patients of the chance for a cure and these may include:

• failure to test when a patient exhibits indicative symptoms
• failure to have a biopsy performed when the physical examination results are abnormal
• failure to react quickly to biopsy findings
• failure to recommend appropriate treatment options
• failing to monitor patients with a family history of cancer
• losing records
• failure to refer to a specialist

LUNG CANCER SOLICITORS : MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE SPECIALISTS

Early diagnosis of cancer may mean less pain and suffering, less financial hardship and a greater chance of survival. If you believe that your doctor has been negligent and you would like free advice on our compensation claim service then just complete the contact form and a member of The Law Society panel of medical negligence experts will telephone you with no obligation.