Oesophagus Cancer Misdiagnosis - Medical Negligence
Cancer of the oesophagus or gullet is becoming more common in the western world with more men affected by gullet cancer than women. There are also isolated pockets in the East and Far East where the condition is increasing which suggests that diet and environmental factors play a large part. The most common risk factors relate to smoking, drinking strong alcohol especially spirits and poor diet with little evidence of genetic influences or family traits. There is also increased risk for those who suffer from acid reflux which causes tissue damage and is known as Barrett’s Oesophagus.
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Diagnosis
The symptoms of oesophageal cancer include difficulty in swallowing and the feeling that food that has been swallowed is sticking on the way down the oesophagus to the stomach accompanied by weight loss, indigestion and sometimes a cough. The unfortunate fact is that all of these symptoms can be caused by other much less serious medical conditions and the opportunity for oesophageal cancer misdiagnosis is common with final diagnosis often not taking place until the condition is well advanced with little chance of survival. Misdiagnosis of oesophageal cancer is often sufficient to ground a claim for compensation for medical negligence against a healthcare practitioner.