Oncologist

Medical Malpractice with Baltimore Oncologist Lawyer Mark Kopec: A Comprehensive Overview

Oncologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and also treatment of cancer. They generally work with a variety of patients, from those with early-stage cancers to those with advanced disease. Oncologists use a variety of tests and treatments to help patients fight cancer. However, oncologists can commit medical malpractice. If you have an injury, you may need Baltimore oncologist lawyer Mark Kopec at the Kopec Law Firm.

Education and Training Requirements

To become an oncologist, doctors must complete a four-year medical school program. Afterward, they must complete a three-year residency in internal medicine or pediatrics. Oncologists must then complete a two- or three-year fellowship in medical oncology.

Licensing and Board Requirements and Options

Oncologists are licensed by the state medical boards in the United States. They also may be board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in medical oncology.

Types of Patients – Baltimore Oncologist Lawyer Mark Kopec

Oncologists generally see patients of all ages with all types of cancer. They work with patients to develop individualized treatment plans.

Tests Used by Oncologists

Oncologists generally use a variety of tests to diagnose and stage cancer. These tests include:

• Blood tests: Blood tests can measure levels of tumor markers. Cancer cells produce these substances.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, can help oncologists see tumors and other abnormalities.
• Biopsies: A biopsy is a procedure in which the doctor removes a small sample of tissue from the body and examines it under a microscope.

How the Tests Work

• Blood tests: The medical provider draws blood from a vein in the arm and then sends it to a laboratory for analysis.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests use X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to create images of the inside of the body.
• Biopsies: Biopsies can be by a variety of methods, including needle biopsy, endoscopic biopsy, and surgical biopsy.

What the Tests Show

• Blood tests: Blood tests can help oncologists diagnose cancer, stage cancer, and also monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests can help oncologists find tumors, determine the size and location of tumors, and then assess the spread of cancer.
• Biopsies: Biopsies can help oncologists diagnose cancer, determine the type of cancer, and assess the aggressiveness of cancer.

Baltimore oncologist lawyer Mark Kopec can review your test results and advise you on your claim.

Treatments Used by Oncologists

Oncologists use a variety of treatments to treat cancer. These treatments generally include:

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
• Surgery: Surgery removes cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system fight cancer.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy targets specific molecules involved in cancer growth and spread.

Administering Treatments

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs are intravenously (IV), orally, or by injection.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses a machine that directs radiation at the tumor.
• Surgery: Surgery is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs can be administered IV or by injection.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy drugs can be administered IV or orally.

How the Treatments Work – Baltimore Oncologist Lawyer Mark Kopec

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs work by interfering with the growth and division of cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which kills the cells.
• Surgery: Surgery works by removing cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy drugs work by blocking specific molecules that cancer cells need to grow and spread.

Where Oncologists Work

Oncologists work in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals: Hospitals are a common setting for oncologists to work. They may work in the hospital’s oncology department or in a private practice.
• Clinics: Clinics are another common setting for oncologists to work. They may work in a community clinic, a cancer center, or a private practice.
• Academic medical centers: Academic medical centers are teaching hospitals that are affiliated with medical schools. Oncologists who work at academic medical centers may also teach and conduct research.

Types of Medical Providers Oncologists Work With

Oncologists work with a variety of doctors and other medical providers, including:

• Nurses: Nurses play an important role in the care of cancer patients. They help oncologists administer treatments, monitor patients for side effects, and educate patients about their disease.
• Radiation therapists: Radiation therapists are specially trained to administer radiation therapy.
• Surgeons: Surgeons perform surgery to remove cancer cells.
• Pathologists: Pathologists examine tissues to diagnose cancer.
• Radiologists: Radiologists interpret imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.

Types of Medical Malpractice Claims with Baltimore Oncologist Lawyer Mark Kopec

Oncologists can be sued for medical malpractice if they fail to provide the standard of care. Some common types of medical malpractice claims against oncologists include:

• Failure to diagnose cancer: Oncologists may be liable if they fail to diagnose cancer in a timely manner. This can lead to the cancer spreading and becoming more difficult to treat.
• Misdiagnosis of cancer: Oncologists may be liable if they misdiagnose a patient’s cancer. This can lead to unnecessary treatment or delay in appropriate treatment.
• Failure to obtain informed consent: Oncologists must obtain informed consent from their patients before performing any treatment. This means that they must explain the risks and benefits of the treatment to the patient.
• Medical errors during treatment: Oncologists may be liable if they make medical errors during the treatment of cancer. These errors can include administering the wrong medication, giving the wrong dose of medication, or surgical errors.
• Failure to monitor for side effects: Oncologists must monitor their patients for side effects of treatment. If they fail to do so, and the patient suffers harm, they may be liable for medical malpractice.

Next Step: Call Baltimore Oncologist Lawyer Mark Kopec

If you have concerns about oncologist medical malpractice, visit the Kopec Law Firm free consultation page or video. Then contact us at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.