Yes, you may be able to sue if your laryngeal cancer was diagnosed late. A late diagnosis of laryngeal cancer caused by negligent healthcare providers warrants a medical malpractice claim. A delayed cancer diagnosis happens when cancer isn't detected in time. This is often due to overlooked symptoms.
Laryngeal cancer, also known as throat cancer, is a serious condition that affects the voice box (larynx) and can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early.
Based on a recent study, there are 2.6 instances of laryngeal cancer for every 100,000 men and women. Furthermore, the analysis also showed that there were 0.9 fatalities per 100,000 men and women in the country each year.
Given the severity of laryngeal cancer, you and your loved ones need to be familiar with laryngeal cancer's early signs and symptoms. Especially in taking action if your health professional commits a late diagnosis.
Concerned About a Late Laryngeal Cancer Diagnosis?
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Survival Rates of Patients with Laryngeal Cancer
The chance of survival for laryngeal cancer varies according to the area of the larynx (glottis, subglottis, or supraglottis) where the disease originated from. It also depends on the patient's general health and the cancer stage at the time of diagnosis.
Below are the 5-year relative survival rates of laryngeal cancer in different parts and stages as reported by the American Cancer Society:
Supraglottis (part of the larynx above the vocal cords)
Glottis (part of the larynx including the vocal cords)
Subglottis (part of the larynx below the vocal cords)
The majority of patients diagnosed with laryngeal cancer are 55 years of age or older, wherein 66 years old is the approximate typical age when the disease is diagnosed. As shown in the data above, the later the cancer is detected, the lower the patient’s chances are for survival and recovery. This is particularly even more difficult in elderly individuals.
Early Signs of Laryngeal Cancer
Hoarseness or changes in voice are frequently caused by laryngeal cancers that develop on the vocal cords. More advanced laryngeal cancer may present with symptoms such as pain and difficulty in breathing or swallowing.
On rare occurrences, this type of cancer can go undetected until they have migrated to cervical lymph nodes. However, this commonly occurs in advanced lung, liver and bone cancer.
Other symptoms of laryngeal cancers may include:
- Persistent sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Referred ear pain, particularly when swallowing
- Lump or swelling in the neck
- Persistent cough, sometimes with blood in the sputum (hemoptysis)
- Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing (stridor)
- Unintentional weight loss
When dealing with the uncertainty of these types of situations, it can place a consequential emotional and practical strain on the patients and their families.
If you believe someone you know may have experienced symptoms that were not recognized, diagnosed late, or misdiagnosed by a healthcare provider, contact us. Our legal professionals, who specialize in cancer cases, can help you seek compensation for the damages you have incurred.
Treatment Options and Annual Spending
Patients with laryngeal cancer have access to several treatment choices. Among these forms of therapy and surgeries are:
- Laryngoscopy with biopsy
- Hemilaryngectomy
- Total laryngectomy
- Supraglottic laryngectomy
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
As such, the annual cost of treating laryngeal cancer in the United States varies widely. It depends on factors such as the chosen treatment modalities and the duration of treatment.
On top of surgery, prescription medications and medical services are needed for cancer treatments. Regardless of the type of cancer they have, US cancer patients typically spend the annual costs shown below:
| Medical Services | Prescription Drugs | |
| Initial Care (1st year after diagnosis) | $43,516 | $1,874 |
| Continuing Care (time in between) | $5,518 per year | $1,041 per year |
| End-of-life care (last year before passing away) | $109,727 | $4,372 |
These show the value of early detection and treatment of laryngeal cancer, as early treatment can improve the outcome and reduce medical expenses.
Medical malpractice claims consider all medical costs, past and future. Financial and non-financial losses, such as missed wages, psychological distress, and declining quality of life, are also often considered alongside medical expenses.
Please refer to our prior wins for actual compensation numbers for cancer misdiagnosis.
Establishing Your Laryngeal Cancer Malpractice Claim
Before filing your claim, an initial investigation is needed to establish your case. A medical malpractice lawyer must establish four key elements during this initial investigation. These key elements include:
| Duty of Care – Was there an appropriate doctor-patient relationship? |
| Breach of Duty – Did your doctor perform poorly/negligently based on accepted standards of care? |
| Causation – Did your doctor’s actions/inactions directly cause you harm? |
| Damages – What did these errors cost you? |
After this initial investigation, the legal counsel will oversee all official fillings and request any additional evidence relevant to your case.
Looking for Medical Compensation for Laryngeal Cancer?
Let us help. Our clients do not need to pay anything unless we win
Speak to a Laryngeal Cancer Lawyer Today
At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven medical malpractice lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances.
We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.
