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Symptoms
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult types of cancer to diagnose, largely because many patients do not show symptoms that can be distinctly tied to the disease. Symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer can include:
- Abdominal pain, particularly in the upper area, that can reach a person’s back
- Signs of jaundice, including yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Decreased or diminished appetite
- Abnormal weight loss
- Frequent blood clotting
- Depression not previously present
Diagnosis
A qualified medical professional will require certain tests that screen for cancer, such as ultrasounds or CT scans. These diagnostic measures should ensure that pancreatic cancer is properly diagnosed. Those who feel their doctor has failed to diagnose them correctly or has not provided their patient with adequate care may wish to seek medical advice from a second physician.
Standard of Care
Every medical professional must abide by laws requiring that they provide the best possible care to every patient. These laws ensure patient safety and care, and require that any doctor or other medical worker provides clients with equitable care and assistance.
Determining Probable Cause
In filing a medical malpractice suit, it must be proven that a medical professional acted in a manner that endangered his or her patient. If a physician fails to adequately adhere to laws concerning the accepted standard of care, resulting in negligence in diagnosis or other treatment, he or she could be considered responsible for resulting injury. Pancreatic cancer frequently requires patients to undergo medical treatment that can cause significant stress and bear huge financial burdens. Left untreated, pancreatic cancer can cause death. For this reason, a physician who has been proven to have acted negligently can be considered to have performed medical malpractice.
Legal Assistance
Those who believe they have experienced medical malpractice, particularly in relation to failure to diagnose pancreatic cancer, are encouraged to locate a reliable attorney who can best manage their case. An attorney can provide assistance throughout the process of filing a malpractice claim and can help resolve the damages medical malpractice can cause.