Thyroid Cancer

Understanding Thyroid Cancer and Medical Malpractice Claims with the Baltimore Thyroid Cancer Lawyer

The thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ at the base of your throat, plays a vital role in regulating your metabolism. It produces hormones that influence heart rate, digestion, and also your energy levels. When abnormal cells form in the thyroid, it can lead to thyroid cancer. If a delay in diagnosis or treatment injures you, then you may have a medical malpractice claim and need to consult the Baltimore thyroid cancer lawyer at the Kopec Law Firm.

Understanding Thyroid Anatomy

The thyroid is located just below the Adam’s apple in the front of your neck. It has two lobes, connected by a bridge of tissue. Inside the lobes, follicles store a protein called thyroglobulin, which produces thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). These hormones go into the bloodstream, influencing various bodily functions.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

There are four main types of thyroid cancer, each with varying characteristics and prognoses:

• Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: This is the most common type, accounting for about 80% of cases. It usually grows slowly and also has a high cure rate.
• Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma: This type accounts for about 10% of cases. It’s also treatable, but there’s a higher risk of recurrence compared to papillary carcinoma.
• Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: This is a rarer type, accounting for about 4% of cases. It can be inherited and may produce hormones that cause symptoms beyond the thyroid.
• Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: This is the most aggressive form of thyroid cancer, accounting for about 2% of cases. It grows rapidly and is more challenging to treat.

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

Here are some common thyroid cancer signs to watch for:

• Firstly, lump in the neck (most common)
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Changes in voice (hoarseness)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain in the front of the neck
• Rapid weight loss or gain (unrelated to diet)
• Fatigue
• Lastly, changes in mood or anxiety

Doctors to See and Diagnostic Tests

If you experience any of the above symptoms, then consult an endocrinologist, a doctor specializing in hormonal disorders like thyroid problems. They will perform a physical examination and may order the following tests:

• Thyroid Function Tests: These blood tests measure hormone levels to assess thyroid function.
• Thyroid Ultrasound.: This painless imaging test uses sound waves to create a picture of the thyroid, specifically revealing any lumps or abnormalities.
• Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy: A thin needle is inserted into the thyroid nodule to collect cells for examination under a microscope to confirm or rule out cancer.

Treatment Options and Prognosis

Treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. Common treatment options include:

• Thyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland.
• Radioactive Iodine Treatment: Radioactive iodine is administered to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue and kill cancer cells.
• Thyroid Hormone Therapy: Supplementation with synthetic thyroid hormones replaces the lost function of the thyroid gland.

Early detection and treatment significantly improve the chances of a full recovery.

Medical Malpractice Claims for Thyroid Cancer with the Baltimore Thyroid Cancer Lawyer

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional deviates from the accepted standard of care, causing harm to the patient. In the context of thyroid cancer, this could involve:

• Failure to Diagnose: A doctor might miss signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer during a physical examination or neglect to order appropriate diagnostic tests.
• Delayed Diagnosis: A doctor might order the correct tests but misinterpret the results, leading to a misdiagnosis or a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
• Improper Treatment: Choosing the wrong surgical approach or failing to provide adequate follow-up care could be a surgical error that negatively impacts the patient’s outcome.

Next Step: Call the Baltimore Thyroid Cancer Lawyer

If you believe a medical provider mishandled your thyroid cancer diagnosis or treatment, then you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Accordingly, consulting with a lawyer specializing in medical malpractice can help determine if your case has merit.

Visit the Kopec Law Firm 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.