Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer and Medical Malpractice: Understanding Your Rights with the Baltimore Oral Cancer Lawyer

The mouth is a complex and vital part of the human anatomy. Beyond allowing us to speak and eat, it houses numerous structures critical to overall health. Unfortunately, this area is also susceptible to a type of cancer known as oral cancer. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, and in some cases, a healthcare provider’s negligence can also lead to a medical malpractice claim based on delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis. You may need to contact the Baltimore oral Cancer lawyer at the Kopec Law Firm.

Understanding Oral Anatomy

The mouth is generally comprised of several key structures, each with a risk of developing cancer:

• Lips: The outer and inner surfaces of the lips.
• Tongue: The muscular organ on the floor of the mouth responsible for taste and swallowing.
• Cheeks: The inner lining of the cheeks.
• Floor of the Mouth: The area beneath the tongue.
• Hard Palate: The bony roof of the mouth at the front.
• Soft Palate: The muscular back part of the roof of the mouth.
• Gums: The tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth.
• Tonsils: The lymphatic tissue at the back of the throat.

Types of Oral Cancer

There are several main types of oral cancer, each specifically affecting different areas of the mouth:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This is the most common type, specifically affecting the thin, flat cells lining the inside of the mouth.
• Verrucous Carcinoma: A rare and less aggressive form that often appears on the tongue or cheek lining. Slow-growing, wart-like growths, usually painless.
• Adenocarcinoma: This type arises from gland tissues in the mouth and is less common.
• Salivary Gland Cancer: This cancer originates in the major or minor salivary glands in the mouth.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Early detection significantly improves the prognosis for oral cancer. Here are some warning signs to be aware of:

• A sore, lump or pain in the mouth or throat that doesn’t heal within two weeks
• Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or inner cheeks
• Bleeding in the mouth that isn’t from an injury
• Loose teeth or dentures that don’t fit well anymore
• Pain or difficulty swallowing
• Numbness in the mouth or tongue
• A lump in the neck
• Persistent Hoarseness

Doctors and Tests Involved in Oral Cancer Diagnosis

If you experience any of these symptoms, then it’s crucial to see a healthcare professional. Depending on your initial evaluation, you may be referred to one or more of the following specialists:

• Dentist: Often the first point of contact, dentists are trained to identify potential signs of oral cancer during routine checkups.
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS): Specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the mouth, face, and jaws.
• Otolaryngologist (ENT): Ear, nose, and throat specialist who can diagnose and treat oral cancers.

For diagnosis, doctors may perform the following:

• Oral Examination: A visual and physical inspection of the mouth, throat and neck.
• Biopsy: Removal of a small tissue sample for microscopic examination to confirm or rule out cancer.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT-scans, or MRIs to determine the extent of cancer spread.

Stages of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is typically staged using the TNM system, which considers the tumor size (T), lymph node involvement (N), and metastasis (M). The stages range from 0 to IV, with IV being the most advanced stage.

Treatment Options and Prognosis

The treatment plan for oral cancer depends on the type, stage, and location of the cancer. Accordingly, here are some common treatment options:

• Surgery: To remove the tumor and surrounding tissue.
• Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Uses medications to destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
• Targeted therapy: Drugs specifically target cancer cells and their growth, while minimizing damage to healthy cells.
• Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.

Early detection significantly improves the prognosis of oral cancer. The five-year survival rate for oral cancer detected in its early stages is around 80%, but this rate drops dramatically with later stage diagnoses.

Medical Malpractice & Misdiagnosis Claims in Oral Cancer Cases from the Baltimore Oral Cancer Lawyer

Understanding the types, symptoms, diagnostic procedures, stages, and available treatments for oral cancer is crucial for both patients and healthcare professionals. Misdiagnosis of oral cancer can have severe consequences. This may occur if a dentist fails to perform a thorough oral examination or disregards potential warning signs. Misdiagnosis can lead to delayed treatment and, afterward, potentially worsening the patient’s condition. Consequently, dentists, oral surgeons, and other healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis of oral cancer must exercise due diligence, follow established protocols, and promptly refer patients to specialists if necessary. Failure to do so may constitute medical malpractice.

What to Do if You Suspect Medical Malpractice

If you have concerns about a missed or delayed diagnosis of oral cancer, then it’s important to seek legal counsel from an experienced medical malpractice attorney. We can review your case, determine if medical malpractice occurred, and also help you navigate the legal process.

Next Step: Call the Baltimore Oral Cancer Lawyer

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.