Ovarian Cancer Misdiagnosis

OVARIAN CANCER MISDIAGNOSIS What is Ovarian Cancer? Ovarian cancer is a strain of cancer that begins in the ovaries (the small organs that help make up the female reproductive system), but can spread to other parts of the body quite rapidly if it isn't diagnosed early. Affects just over 7,000 5 women in the UK every year. th Making it the most common cancer in women BREAST PANCREAS 4,274 cases CANCER 49,564 cases NON HODGKIN LUNG CANCER UTERUS CANCER LYMPHOMA 8,288 cases 18,851 cases 5,642 cases BOWEL CANCER MALIGNANT MELANOMA 17,861 cases 6,617 cases Types of Ovarian Cancer? EPITHELIAL OVARIAN CANCER GERM CELL TUMOURS STROMAL TUMOURS Develops in the cells that create your eggs The most common Develops within the cells that hold the type of ovarian cancer, it affects the surface layers of the ovaries together ovary. SYMPTOMS OF OVARIAN CANCER Extreme and Continuous pelvic and abdominal pain unexplained bloating and weight gain Loss of Diarrhoea and Nausea Appetite constipation Drastic and Menstrual abnormalities/ unexplained change in weight Frequent urination unexplained bleeding Risk Factors There are certain factors that are thought to contribute to the development of Ovarian Cancer. 50+ Family history of ovarian or breast cancer Those over the age of 50 Previously suffered from endometriosis TREATMENT Depending on the type of ovarian cancer and the stage at which it is diagnosed there is a number of different treatments that can be used. OPTIONS SURGERY Chemotherapy Includes the removal of either the cancer, the ovaries, the uterus, fallopian tubes or a full hysterectomy Misdiagnosis Because very few women develop symptoms of ovarian cancer in the early stages, a diagnosis can often be missed which can make it significantly harder to treat. Often when women present symptoms to a medical professional, they can be dismissed as other conditions such as polycystic ovaries and Tuboovarian abscess. Unfortunately Ovarian Cancer is one of the most misdiagnosed female cancers which is why it so important for women to understand their bodies, recognise symptoms and know when something is wrong. Where a medical professional has failed to diagnose ovarian cancer, despite the victim presenting symptoms, it could be seen as medical negligence and you may be able to claim compensation. ASONS Not your traditional law firm. Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in medical negligence and industrial disease claims. Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. www.asons.co.uk