Oral Cancer Misdiagnosis Attorneys

Have you or a loved one been affected by an oral cancer misdiagnosis? If so, you know how devastating it can be to deal with a delayed diagnosis and the consequences that follow. You deserve answers and accountability for the pain and suffering you have experienced due to this preventable medical error, and the team with Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. wants to help you demand it.

Our experienced medical misdiagnosis lawyers understand your challenges, and we are here to pursue fair compensation for the harm you wrongfully suffered. Our attorneys are prepared to work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable and to secure the support you need. Contact us today for a free initial consultation, and let us help you seek the justice you deserve.

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the mouth or throat. It can occur on the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, roof or floor of the mouth, and even the tonsils. Oral cancer usually starts as a small, painless sore or lump that doesn’t heal.

As it grows, oral cancer can cause symptoms like difficulty swallowing, changes in your voice, or unexplained weight loss. Tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV) increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Early detection and treatment are critical for improving the chances of successful treatment outcomes.

How Is Oral Cancer Diagnosed?

Doctors use various methods to diagnose oral cancer. These methods can identify the presence of cancer, determine its extent, and guide treatment decisions:

• Complete Head and Neck Exam – To start, a specialist like an ENT doctor or dental professional often conducts a thorough examination of the head and neck to detect any abnormal signs that could indicate cancer. This includes checking for lumps, swelling, or unusual growths, especially in the lymph nodes, as these could be warning signs of oral cancer. 
• Indirect and Direct Pharyngoscopy and Laryngoscopy – In these procedures, doctors use small mirrors or flexible fiber-optic scopes to examine hard-to-reach areas like the base of the tongue. This method allows for a closer look at areas that might not be visible during a regular examination, reducing the risk of missing potentially cancerous regions.
• Exfoliative Cytology – In this type of test, the doctor scrapes cells from a suspicious area and spreads them on a glass slide for analysis under a microscope. They use a special dye to highlight any abnormal cells. However, this method does not detect all cancers and sometimes can’t differentiate between cancerous and non-cancerous cells. If abnormalities are present, the doctor might order a more invasive biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of oral cancer.
• Biopsy – A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue or cells for laboratory analysis. This is the only definitive way to confirm the presence of cancer. Biopsies provide information about whether cancer cells are present and, if so, what type they are. The process typically involves numbing the area and removing a small piece of tissue for examination.
• HPV (p16) Testing – If a biopsy confirms oral cancer, doctors often test the tissue sample for the p16 protein to determine if HPV infection is present. HPV status is important because it determines the stage of the cancer and potential treatment options. Additionally, cancers linked to HPV generally have a better prognosis, so this information is vital for treatment decisions.
• Imaging Tests (CT, MRI, PET) – Imaging tests like CT, MRI, and PET scans are not used for initial diagnoses, but they play a critical role in assessing a cancer’s spread and planning treatment. For example, a CT scan provides detailed images that help doctors determine a tumor’s size and location. On the other hand, MRIs might be appropriate if the cancer is near bones or the patient has dental fillings that could interfere with other scans. PET scans, often combined with CT scans, can detect if a cancer has spread to different parts of the body.

Why Is Oral Cancer Misdiagnosed?

Doctors might misdiagnose oral cancer because its early symptoms often resemble those of less serious conditions, like cold sores. Patients and even some healthcare providers can overlook these symptoms, assuming they are minor issues that will resolve themselves. Additionally, oral cancers like squamous cell carcinoma can start as small, painless lesions that don’t seem threatening. 

In light of these factors, doctors might not initially suspect cancer, especially if a patient doesn’t have obvious risk factors like smoking or heavy alcohol consumption. In some cases, a lack of proper screening, poor communication, or failure to order the right tests can also lead to a misdiagnosis. 

Consequences of Misdiagnosis of Oral Cancer

The consequences of an oral cancer misdiagnosis can be severe and life-threatening. If a doctor fails to correctly diagnose early signs of oral cancer, this delayed diagnosis can give the cancer more time to grow and spread, reducing the chances of successful treatment. 

The aggressive nature of oral cancer, especially in its later stages, means it can spread quickly to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, or bones. The longer oral cancer goes untreated, the more difficult it becomes to manage and the more limited and invasive treatment options become.

A misdiagnosis can also cause considerable emotional and physical suffering. Patients might undergo unnecessary treatments for conditions they don’t have while the real issue continues to worsen. Additionally, financial burdens can increase as patients face more complex and costly treatments due to the advanced stage of the disease. 

Tragically, the likelihood of survival decreases significantly with a delayed diagnosis, which can lead to a poor prognosis and lower quality of life. Promptly addressing oral cancer misdiagnosis is essential to improve outcomes, reduce suffering, and give patients the best chance for recovery.

Contact Our Medical Malpractice Attorneys Today to Protect Your Rights

If you or someone you care about has experienced the devastating effects of an oral cancer misdiagnosis, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. today for a free initial consultation with our medical malpractice lawyers. We are committed to fighting for the compensation and justice you need to move forward.