Yes, if a doctor fails to diagnose peritoneal cancer properly and causes harm to the patient, the patient may be able to bring a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor.
Peritoneal cancer is a rare disease that develops in the peritoneum. It is a thin layer of tissue that lines the pelvic walls, abdominal walls and abdominal organs.
There are two main types of peritoneal cancer:
- Primary (PPC). It originates in the peritoneal cavity.
- Secondary. This type of peritoneal cancer starts from a different body part and spreads to the peritoneum.
Recent data shows that the overall cancer death rate in the United States is around 146 per 100,000 men and women. This number of cases is alarming, particularly for patients diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, as early detection and proper treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a medical professional's misconduct, seeking legal advice from our medical malpractice attorneys can be your next step.
Was Your Peritoneal Cancer Falsely Diagnosed?
Contact us to understand your legal options (free consultation).
What Can Mimic Peritoneal Cancer?
Several conditions can imitate the symptoms and appearance of peritoneal cancer, making accurate diagnosis challenging. These include:
| Medical Condition | Description |
| Ovarian cancer | Advanced ovarian cancer can spread to the peritoneum, causing similar symptoms and appearance as peritoneal cancer. |
| Abdominal tuberculosis | This infection can cause the formation of small nodules or masses in the peritoneum, which may be mistaken for peritoneal cancer. |
| Pseudomyxoma peritonei | This rare condition occurs when mucus-secreting tumors, usually from the appendix, spread to the peritoneum. The accumulated mucus can cause abdominal swelling and discomfort, similar to peritoneal cancer. |
| Benign tumors | Some non-cancerous growths, such as fibromas or desmoid tumors, can develop in the peritoneum and mimic the appearance of peritoneal cancer on imaging tests. |
| Inflammatory conditions | Certain inflammatory diseases, such as peritonitis or sarcoidosis, can cause changes in the peritoneum that may resemble peritoneal cancer in imaging studies. |
As such, note how the above conditions resembles signs of peritoneal cancer:
- Abdominal discomfort
- The feeling of fullness
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Constipation
- Frequent urination
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Rectal bleeding
- Shortness of breath
Given the similarity in appearances, a thorough evaluation by a specialist, including imaging tests and biopsy, is vital for accurate diagnosis. However, remember that many of these signs and symptoms may be caused by conditions other than peritoneal cancer. If necessary, seek medical attention to identify and treat the underlying cause.
How Long Can Peritoneal Cancer Patients Survive?
According to the available data, primary peritoneal cancer usually appears as advanced stage IV disease, with a survival rate ranging from 11 to 17 months.
The survival rate for secondary peritoneal cancer is generally 6 months, although this can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The extent and location of cancer spread
- The individual's age and overall health
- The treatment options available
Patients with peritoneal cancer who are generally in good health and have a small, localized tumor that hasn't spread to other parts of the body may have a more favorable prognosis compared to those with more advanced cases or underlying health conditions.
Therefore, early detection and prompt treatment can greatly improve a patient's chances of survival and quality of life.
Treatment Options and Expenses
Patients may receive multiple types of treatment for peritoneal cancer such as the following:
| Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) | This is the most common treatment for peritoneal cancer. This removes affected organs, such as the ovaries, uterus, or portions of the intestines. |
| Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) | This is a type of chemotherapy that is often performed immediately after CRS. Heated chemotherapy drugs are circulated throughout the abdominal cavity to kill any remaining cancer cells. |
| Radiation Therapy | Although less commonly used for peritoneal cancer, radiation therapy may be employed to target specific areas of the body affected by cancer. |
| Palliative Care | For patients with advanced peritoneal cancer, palliative care focuses on managing symptoms, reducing pain, and improving quality of life. |
The average cost of treatment for Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) ranges between $20,000 and $80,000. This substantial amount can burden less affluent individuals, making it difficult for them to access these potentially life-saving treatments.
Victims can seek a medical malpractice claim to alleviate their financial worries, as long as the doctor is found to have failed in their duty to provide an accurate diagnosis. The compensation may include all medical expenses, including past and anticipated future costs related to the misdiagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Our experienced legal team can help you understand your rights and options if you believe you have been the victim of medical malpractice related to peritoneal cancer or any other condition. For actual compensation figures, please refer to our previous wins.
How to Establish a Claim for Compensation
An initial investigation is required to establish a claim. Medical malpractice experts typically work with trusted medical consultants for this.
During said investigation, the legal team would aim to establish the following elements:
| 1. Duty of Care – Was there an appropriate doctor-patient relationship? |
| 2. Breach of Duty – Did your doctor perform poorly/negligently based on accepted standards of care? |
| 3. Causation – Did your doctor’s actions/inactions directly cause you harm? |
| 4. Damages – What did these errors cost you? |
Once these elements have been pinpointed and established, the legal team can now file a claim. Our proven trial attorneys can help you increase your chances of getting compensation.
Don’t Face Peritoneal Cancer Alone!
Find clarity and support with our free legal consultation.
Speak to a Peritoneal 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.
