Larynx Cancer Misdiagnosis - Medical Negligence Solicitors
Cancer of the larynx often begins on, or close to the vocal chords ensuring that a change in voice tone, including hoarseness, is one of the most obvious symptoms. Other symptoms of laryngeal cancer apart from hoarseness may include a lump in the throat or neck with discomfort on swallowing which may be accompanied by earache or breathlessness. In some cases of cancer of the larynx there is no involvement of the vocal chords in which case changes in the voice will be absent. These symptoms are often confused with laryngitis caused by a viral infection and there is therefore an opportunity for misdiagnosis of cancer of the larynx.
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Diagnosis
Diagnosis of laryngeal cancer starts with a physical examination by a doctor who may arrange for further tests or x-rays. Failure to refer is both a misdiagnosis and medical negligence. Dependent on the outcome there may be further referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist for final diagnosis. The specialist will feel for enlarged glands in the throat and look at the condition of the back of the mouth and throat. It may be necessary to continue the examination using a fibre optic nasendoscope which is a thin tube with a light at the end. Subsequent examination may include consideration of the larynx under general anaesthetic and biopsy for examination in the laboratory.