Ovarian Cancer Misdiagnosis

Ovarian cancer is a life-threatening disease that impacts thousands of women each year, often with devastating consequences. Early detection and treatment are critical to improving a patient’s prognosis, but these opportunities can be lost when healthcare providers fail to properly diagnose the condition. Ovarian cancer misdiagnosis is not uncommon, as its symptoms often mimic less severe ailments, and medical professionals may overlook or dismiss them. Tragically, the delay or failure to identify the disease can allow it to progress unchecked, leading to more aggressive treatments, diminished survival rates, and profound emotional and financial strain on families. If you or someone you love has suffered due to the misdiagnosis of ovarian cancer, it is smart to talk to an attorney about what claims you may be able to pursue. The seasoned Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys at Arfaa Law Group take pride in helping victims of medical negligence seek redress for their harm, and if we represent you, we will fight tirelessly on your behalf.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are subtle and easily mistaken for less serious conditions. Women with ovarian cancer may experience persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating, or urinary urgency—symptoms that are frequently attributed to gastrointestinal or hormonal issues. For women with risk factors such as a family history of ovarian cancer or genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, timely diagnosis is especially critical.

Unfortunately, ovarian cancer misdiagnosis can take many forms. A doctor might dismiss a patient’s complaints as insignificant, fail to consider ovarian cancer as a potential diagnosis, or neglect to order diagnostic imaging or blood tests. In some cases, a provider may misinterpret test results or fail to follow up appropriately on concerning findings.

The consequences of a delayed or missed diagnosis can be catastrophic. When ovarian cancer is not detected early, it may advance to a later stage, requiring more invasive treatments such as extensive surgery and high-dose chemotherapy. Late-stage ovarian cancer is also associated with lower survival rates and a significant reduction in the patient’s quality of life. Families may face overwhelming medical expenses, lost income, and emotional anguish as they support their loved ones through the battle against a disease that could have been treated more effectively with earlier intervention.

People hurt by an ovarian cancer misdiagnosis will often pursue claims against the doctor who caused their harm via medical malpractice claims. Generally, a plaintiff in a medical malpractice lawsuit must demonstrate that the defendant’s negligence caused them harm.

In Maryland, proving negligence requires a plaintiff to prove that the defendant owed them a duty. Every healthcare provider owes a duty to their patients to deliver care that meets the accepted standard of practice within their profession. For example, a duty may encompass taking a thorough medical history, recognizing symptoms that could indicate ovarian cancer, and ordering appropriate diagnostic tests when warranted.

The plaintiff then has to demonstrate a breach of the duty owed, which occurs when a provider’s actions fall short of these expectations. For example, a doctor may fail to order an ultrasound or blood test for a patient presenting with classic symptoms of ovarian cancer, thereby neglecting their obligation to investigate potential causes of the patient’s condition.

To establish liability, the plaintiff must also prove causation. This requires showing that the provider’s breach of duty directly led the plaintiff to suffer actual harm. In ovarian cancer misdiagnosis cases, this often involves demonstrating that the delay in diagnosis allowed the cancer to progress to a more advanced stage, significantly reducing the patient’s treatment options and survival chances. Expert testimony is crucial in proving this link, as medical experts can explain how proper diagnostic steps would have revealed the cancer earlier and prevented further harm.

Victims of ovarian cancer misdiagnosis may recover compensation for the economic and non-economic losses caused by a healthcare provider’s negligence. Economic damages include the costs of surgeries, chemotherapy, and other treatments, as well as lost wages and diminished earning potential. These damages also account for future medical expenses if the patient requires ongoing care due to the delayed diagnosis.

Non-economic damages address the less tangible but equally significant harms caused by a misdiagnosis, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Families pursuing claims on behalf of a deceased loved one may also seek compensation for funeral expenses and the loss of companionship and support.

When healthcare providers fail to properly diagnose ovarian cancer, the consequences can be devastating for patients and their families. If you suffered losses due to an ovarian cancer misdiagnosis, it is important to understand your options, and you should speak with an attorney. The experienced Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys of Arfaa Law Group understand the pain and frustration caused by incompetent care, and we are committed to holding negligent providers accountable for the harm they cause. We have an office in Baltimore, and we regularly represent people in medical malpractice lawsuits throughout the city. You can contact us via our form online or by calling us at (410) 889-1850 to schedule a confidential and free meeting.