Vulva Cancer Misdiagnosis - Medical Negligence Solicitors
Vulva cancer includes vulval melanoma, adenocarcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma, sarcomas and squamous cell carcinoma which accounts for over 90% of cases. Vulva cancer is slow growing and it may be many years before the appearance of symptoms which may include pain, soreness, itching, burning, a lump, swelling or growth, thickened, raised, red, white or dark patches, bleeding or blood-stained vaginal discharge, burning when urinating or a mole that changes shape or colour.
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Diagnosis
The initial symptoms of vulva cancer are often misdiagnosed as other less serious illnesses which may well be medical negligence if there is a failure to refer the patient to a gynaecological cancer specialist. Diagnosis follows physical examination, blood tests and x-rays to check general heath confirmed by detailed examination of the vulva using a magnifier and internal examination of the cervix using a speculum for access. In most cases the doctor will carry out a biopsy by taking tissue samples for laboratory examination under a microscope. There may be subsequent tests including computerised tomography scan (a CT scan), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, PET (Positron emission tomography) scan, examination under anaesthetic (EUA), tests to check the lymph nodes for cancer.