Bone Cancer

Bone Cancer: Understanding the Disease and Potential Medical Malpractice

Bone cancer is a rare type of cancer that originates in the bones. While it can be a devastating diagnosis, early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial for improving outcomes. If you have been injured by a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, then you may have a medical malpractice claim and should contact Baltimore bone cancer lawyer Mark Kopec at the Kopec Law Firm.

Understanding Your Bones with Baltimore Bone Cancer Lawyer Mark Kopec

Before delving into bone cancer, it’s important to understand the basics of bone structure and function.

• Anatomy: Bones are complex living tissues composed of calcium, phosphorus, and protein. They provide support, protection for internal organs, and also enable movement. Bones also produce blood cells and store minerals.
• Function: Bones generally serve multiple vital roles:
  • Structural support: Firstly, they form the framework of the body.
  • Protection: They also shield delicate organs like the brain, heart, and lungs.
  • Movement: Further, bones work in conjunction with muscles and joints to allow for movement.
  • Blood cell production: Bone marrow within the bones produces red and white blood cells and platelets.
  • Mineral storage: Bones store essential minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus.

Symptoms of Bone Cancer

Recognizing the signs of bone cancer can be crucial for early diagnosis. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent bone pain, often worse at night
• Swelling or tenderness around the affected bone
• A lump or mass near the bone
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever
• Fractures that especially occur without a clear cause

Diagnosis of Bone Cancer

If you’re experiencing symptoms suggestive of bone cancer, then several healthcare professionals can be involved in your diagnosis:

• Primary care physician: Firstly, your initial point of contact for evaluating symptoms and ordering necessary tests.
• Orthopedic Surgeon: A specialist in bone and joint conditions who can specifically assess bone abnormalities.
• Oncologist: A cancer specialist who diagnoses and also treats cancer.
• Radiologist: A doctor who interprets medical imaging studies.

Diagnostic tests commonly used to detect bone cancer include:

• X-rays: To visualize bone abnormalities.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): To provide detailed images of soft tissues and bones.
• CT (Computed Tomography) scan: To create cross-sectional images of the body.
• Bone scan: To detect areas of increased bone metabolism, which can indicate cancer.
• Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken from the affected bone for examination under a microscope.

Types of Bone Cancer

Bone cancer can be classified into two main categories:

• Primary bone cancer: Cancer that originates in the bone itself.
  • Osteosarcoma: The most common type, primarily affecting adolescents and young adults.
  • Ewing sarcoma: Another common type, typically affecting children and young adults.
  • Chondrosarcoma: A slow-growing cancer that often affects older adults.
• Secondary bone cancer: Cancer that spreads (metastasizes) to the bones from another part of the body, such as the breast, prostate, lung, or kidney.

Treatment Options

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

• Surgery: To remove the tumor and surrounding tissue.
• Chemotherapy: To kill cancer cells throughout the body.
• Radiation therapy: To destroy cancer cells using high-energy rays.
• Targeted therapy: To attack specific cancer cells with minimal damage to healthy cells.
• Immunotherapy: To boost the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

A team of specialists, including orthopedic surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other healthcare professionals, often collaborates to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Prognosis

The prognosis for bone cancer varies depending on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. Early detection and aggressive treatment can be critical to significantly improve outcomes.

Medical Malpractice with Baltimore Bone Cancer Lawyer Mark Kopec

When a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care, resulting in harm to a patient, it may constitute medical malpractice. In the context of bone cancer, potential malpractice claims include:

• Delayed or missed diagnosis: Failure to recognize and diagnose bone cancer in a timely manner can lead to advanced disease and reduced treatment options.
• Misdiagnosis: Incorrectly diagnosing a different condition can delay appropriate treatment for bone cancer.
• Treatment errors: Surgical errors and mistakes in chemotherapy or radiation therapy can cause serious complications.
• Failure to obtain informed consent: Patients have the right to understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives of treatment options.
• Failure to monitor for complications: Close monitoring is essential to detect and address potential complications of bone cancer treatment.

Next Step: Call Baltimore Bone Cancer Lawyer Mark Kopec

If you believe you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice related to bone cancer, consulting with a qualified medical malpractice attorney is essential to understand your legal rights and options.

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.