UK OVARIAN CANCER COMPENSATION CLAIMS

Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumour that begins in the ovaries. Cancerous cells can break away from the ovary and spread to other tissues and organs including the peritoneum and the diaphragm and can also enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and form new tumours in other parts of the body. Approximately 1.5% of women will be diagnosed as suffering from this condition during their lifetimes. The cause is unknown however the following factors may increase the chance of developing this disease:

• First-degree relatives of a woman who has had cancer of the ovaries are at increased risk and the likelihood is especially high if two or more first-degree relatives have had the disease. A family history of breast or colon cancer is also associated with increased risk.
• The likelihood of developing cancer of the ovaries increases with age and occurs most often in women over the age of 50.
• Women who have never had children are more likely to develop cancer of the ovaries than women who have had children and the more children that a woman has had then the less is her risk.
• Women who have had breast or colon cancer have a greater chance of developing cancer of the ovaries.
• Fertility drugs may increase the risk.
• Hormone replacement therapy may cause an increased risk.

Ovarian cancer is hard to detect in its early stages and women often have no symptoms or mild symptoms until the disease is in an advanced stage. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Abdominal discomfort or pain.
• Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation or frequent urination.
• Loss of appetite.
• Feeling bloated even after a light meal.
• Weight gain or loss.
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Diagnosis usually involves physical examinations and tests including:

• Blood tests are used to measure chemicals in the system that indicate ovarian cancer.
• Pelvic exam includes feeling the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum to find any abnormality in their shape or size.
• Ultrasound which creates a picture called a sonogram. Healthy tissues, cysts and tumours can be distinguished.
• Scans are used to take detailed pictures of areas inside the body.
• A biopsy which is the removal of tissue for microscopic examination using laparoscopy techniques and if cancer is suspected at that time then the entire ovary is usually removed.

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. Medical negligence can include misdiagnosis, improper treatment, failure to treat, delay in treatment, failure to perform appropriate follow-up and prescription errors. Early diagnosis 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 Legal Aid and no win no fee 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.