Uterine Cancer Misdiagnosis - Medical Negligence Solicitors
Over 2,000 women in Australia are diagnosed as suffering from uterine cancer (cancer of the womb) every year. Cancer of the uterus is uncommon in women aged less than 40 years old however one of the major risk factors is obesity. In some families there is a hereditary risk although this is unusual. Other minor risk factors include the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), taking tamoxifen (breast cancer treatment), not having had a child or suffering from Cowden syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome. Pre-menstrual women who are taking the contraceptive pill are at lower risk.
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Uterus Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of cancer of the uterus include heavier periods than normal, bleeding between periods, abnormal vaginal discharge or post-menopausal bleeding. Further minor symptoms include pain in the abdomen and/or legs and discomfort during sexual intercourse. These symptoms are common to other conditions and it is not unusual for a doctor to misdiagnose cancer of the uterus which may amount to medical negligence. Misdiagnosis occurs if the doctor does not make a referral to a consultant or specialist when faced with obvious symptoms of womb cancer.
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Womb Cancer Testing
Following referral to a specialist, further tests should be carried out to confirm diagnosis including vaginal ultrasound, hysteroscopy, biopsy, dilatation and curettage (D&C). Further testing may be necessary including blood tests, chest x-ray, CT scan or MRI scan.