Breast Cancer

Medical Malpractice with the Baltimore Breast Cancer Lawyer

Breast cancer is a complex disease affecting millions of women each year. While advancements in detection and treatment have significantly improved outcomes, errors in diagnosis and treatment can have devastating consequences. The Kopec Law Firm provides this webpage to generally provide an overview of breast cancer, the medical professionals involved in its care, and the potential grounds for medical malpractice claims. If you have been injured, then you may need the Baltimore breast cancer lawyer.

Understanding Breast Cancer

Breast Anatomy and Function

The breasts are composed primarily of fatty tissue, glandular tissue, and connective tissue. The glandular tissue produces milk during lactation. The breasts are connected to the lymph nodes, which play an especially vital role in the immune system.

Types of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is generally an umbrella term for various cancers that originate in the breast tissue. The most common types include:

• Invasive ductal carcinoma: Cancer starts in the milk ducts and also spreads to surrounding tissue.
• Invasive lobular carcinoma: Cancer begins in the milk-producing glands and then spreads to surrounding tissue.
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): Abnormal cells are found in the milk ducts but have not spread.
• Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): Abnormal cells are found in the milk-producing glands but have not spread.
• Inflammatory breast cancer: Lastly, a rare and aggressive form where cancer cells block lymph channels in the breast.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Symptoms of breast cancer can vary but may include:

• A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
• Changes in breast shape or size
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Nipple retraction or inversion
• Redness or scaly skin on the breast
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
• Pain in the breast or nipple

Any changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors Involved in Breast Cancer Care

Several types of doctors are involved in breast cancer care, including:

• General practitioner or internist: May be the first point of contact for concerns about breast health.
• Gynecologist: Provides routine women’s health care, including breast exams.
• Surgeon: Performs surgical procedures to remove breast cancer.
• Oncologist: Specializes in cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy.
• Radiologist: Interprets imaging studies, such as mammograms and ultrasounds.

Diagnostic Tests

Several tests are used to diagnose breast cancer:

• Mammogram: X-ray of the breast to detect abnormalities.
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of the breast.
• Breast biopsy: Removal of tissue for examination under a microscope.
• MRI: Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the breast.
• PET scan: Creates 3D images of the body to detect cancer cells.

Treatment Options

Breast cancer treatment depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences. Treatment options may include:  

• Surgery: Removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue (lumpectomy or mastectomy).
• Chemotherapy: Use of drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: Use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
• Hormonal therapy: Use of hormones to slow or stop cancer growth.
• Targeted therapy: Use of drugs that specifically target specific cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Helps the immune system fight cancer cells.

Prognosis

Prognosis for breast cancer depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the effectiveness of treatment. Early detection and treatment significantly improve the outlook.  

Medical Malpractice with the Baltimore Breast Cancer Lawyer

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. In the context of breast cancer, potential malpractice claims include:  

• Delayed or missed diagnosis: Failure to detect breast cancer in a timely manner, allowing the cancer to further progress.
• Misdiagnosis: Incorrectly diagnosing breast cancer or a different type of cancer.
• Treatment errors: Mistakes in administering chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
• Surgical Errors: Errors during breast surgery, such as leaving surgical instruments or sponges in the body.
• Failure to obtain informed consent: Not adequately explaining treatment options and risks.

Next Step: Call the Baltimore Breast Cancer Lawyer

If you believe you or a loved one has been a victim of breast cancer medical malpractice, then consulting with a qualified medical malpractice attorney is crucial. We can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and also pursue compensation for damages.

If your doctor failed to diagnose breast cancer early, then visit the free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm 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.