Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers discuss bladder cancer. Bladder cancer is a cancer that forms in tissues of the bladder, the organ that holds and releases urine. There are several types of bladder cancer. The most common form of bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas, cancers beginning in cells that normally make up the inner lining of the bladder. Other types of bladder cancer are squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in thin, flat cells) and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). The cells that form squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma develop in the inner lining of the bladder due to prolonged irritation and inflammation.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the exact cause of bladder cancer is unknown. Still, experts have identified several risk factors that could make a person more susceptible to developing the cancer.

• Cigarette smoking | It is estimated that up to half of all bladder cancers in men and several in women may be caused by cigarette smoke.
• Chemical exposure at work | Approximately one quarter of all bladder cancer cases are attributed to coming into contact with to cancer-causing chemicals, called carcinogens, at work. People who work as dye workers, rubber workers, aluminum workers, leather workers, truck drivers, and pesticide applicators have the highest risk for being exposed to carcinogens.
• Chemotherapy | The chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) can increase the risk of bladder cancer. There is a medication that your doctor can prescribe to help lower this risk.
• Radiation treatment | Women who have received radiation therapy to treat cervical cancer are at an increased risk of developing bladder cancer.
• Bladder infection | Chronic bladder infection or irritation that goes untreated can also lead to a type of bladder cancer.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers Agree Failure to Diagnose Bladder Cancer Can Have Devastating Effects on the Health of a Patient

There are several ways someone can be screened for bladder cancer. When symptoms that suggest bladder cancer may be present, the patient should discuss their concerns with their doctor. In addition to a physical exam, the physician may order a diagnostic test.

Some of the most common tests that may be ordered can include a urine test, cystoscopy or a biopsy. A urine test can be completed to check for blood in the urine, cancer cells, and other signs of disease. The doctor may also order a cystoscopy, a procedure where a thin, lighted tube (called a cystoscope) is used to look into the bladder. Another option is getting a biopsy. Tissue samples can be removed with the cystoscope and studied by a pathologist to identify any cancer cells. In most cases, a biopsy is the only sure way to tell whether cancer is present.

Early diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer is extremely important. Failure to diagnose bladder cancer or delayed treatment of bladder cancer may cause the cancer to metastasize, or spread. When cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is more likely that doctors will be unable to treat it and the results can be fatal.

Patients who are experiencing symptoms that may be related to bladder cancer, such as blood in the urine, abdominal pain, fatigue, painful or frequent urination or incontinence, are advised to talk with their physician right away and ask for a physical examination and diagnostic test. Patients are also encouraged to seek a second opinion, if necessary.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Philadelphia and New Jersey

The Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling medical malpractice cases resulting from delayed and failure to diagnose bladder cancer. Our extremely skilled team of medical malpractice lawyers and medical experts is dedicated to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries as a result of a medical error in failing to diagnose or treat bladder cancer, another type of cancer or any other type of negligent care received by a medical provider, contact the medical malpractice lawyers of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.