Nearly everyone in Louisiana has been affected by cancer in one way or another. It can be a terrifying diagnosis that leaves individuals fearful for their own and their families’ futures. Fortunately, advances in medical technology and research have enabled medical professionals to more efficiently and effectively diagnose and treat certain types of cancer. Those who are able to receive these treatments may increase their chances of survival as well as their chances of living a normal, healthy life.
One treatable kind of cancer is breast cancer. However, in order to be successfully treated, it must be diagnosed as quickly as possible. Medical professionals have a number of diagnostic techniques available to them, but they need to ensure that they actually conduct them and that they accurately read and interpret test results. When medical professionals fail to do so, they can leave patients with a worsened medical condition, a decreased quality of life and even susceptible to additional medical expenses and lost wages in the future.
Therefore, those who suspect they have breast cancer should be sure to ask about testing options. First is a breast exam, where a doctor uses his or her hand to feel for abnormalities. Second, men and women can undergo a mammogram. Here, X-rays are used to create an image of the breast that can then be analyzed for questionable masses. Doctors can also conduct an ultrasound, which utilizes sound waves to help doctors determine whether a mass is solid or liquid-filled. A MRI may also be helpful, as it can give doctors a better glimpse at the inside of a breast. Lastly, medical professionals can biopsy tissue, removing it from the breast for additional testing.
Again, these tests can be extremely successful when utilized properly. Those who believe their doctor failed to order and/or read these tests and have suffered a worsened medical condition as a result may want to consider speaking with a legal professional, as compensation may be available to them if liability can be imposed.
Source: Mayo Clinic, “Breast Cancer Diagnosis,” accessed on Mar. 10, 2017
