Colon Cancer Misdiagnosis

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Cancer in the colon or rectum can develop over many years and can depend on many risk factors.  Early diagnosis of colon cancer is critical to achieving the best long-term prognosis.  Unfortunately, colon cancer can be misdiagnosed if the symptoms are ignored or the tests are negligently performed.

The colon is a crucial element of the body’s digestive system. The digestive system is made up of the esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines. The first 6 feet of the large intestine are called the large bowel, or colon. The last 6 inches are the rectum and the anal canal. The anal canal ends at the anus (the opening of the large intestine to the outside of the body). 

Risk factors for colon cancer include:

• 50 years of age or older;

• Family history of cancer of the colon or rectum;

• Personal history of cancer (colon, rectum, ovary, endometrium, or breast);

• History of polyps in the colon;

• History of ulcerative colitis (ulcers in the lining of the large intestine) or Crohn’s disease; and

• Certain hereditary conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC, or Lynch Syndrome).

You should see a doctor immediately if you have any of the possible signs of colon cancer, including a change in bowel habits or blood in the stool.  A doctor should also be consulted if a patient experiences the following symptoms: diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely, stools that are narrower than usual, general abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps), weight loss with no known reason, constant tiredness, or vomiting.   If you have any of these symptoms, your doctor should perform tests to determine if the cause of your problem is colon cancer.

One common test to diagnose colon cancer is the fecal occult blood test, which checks stool (solid waste) for blood that can only be seen with a microscope. Small samples of stool are placed on special cards and returned to the doctor or laboratory for testing.

The two frequently used tests for colon cancer are sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.  Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure to look inside the rectum and sigmoid (lower) colon for polyps, abnormal areas, or cancer. A sigmoidoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted through the rectum into the sigmoid colon. Polyps or tissue samples may be taken for biopsy.  Colonoscopy is a procedure to look inside the rectum and colon for polyps, abnormal areas, or cancer. A colonoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted through the rectum into the colon. Polyps or tissue samples may be taken for biopsy.  These tests are often done as screening tests on a periodic basis, even for patients with no symptoms of colon cancer, and can be important in early diagnosis of the disease.

Physicians, including pathologists who analyze the results, can misinterpret tests results. These types of medical malpractice can have devastating effects on the patient’s treatment options and long-term prognosis due to a delay in diagnosis which may cause spread of the cancer to lymph nodes or other organs.

For example, the difference in surgical options can be significant for patients with early diagnosis of colon cancer as opposed to more advanced colon cancer.  Early diagnosis may mean a less invasive laparoscopic surgery.  More advanced disease requires an open abdominal procedure.  During open surgeries, surgeons open the abdomen with a six-to-eight-inch incision and then cut away the portion of the colon containing cancer.  However, in a laparoscopically assisted colectomy, the same procedure is performed through three one-half-inch incisions and one two-inch incision.  Studies show that while laparoscopic surgery is safe and effective for treatment of colon cancer, it should not be used for patients whose cancer requires extensive surgery to other organs besides the colon.  Thus, a delay in diagnosis of colon cancer can result in spread of the cancer to other organs and render the patient an unsuitable candidate for less invasive laparoscopic surgery.  Such patients will face greater risks associated with open colon surgery, including risk of excessive bleeding and prolonged healing time.

In addition, more advanced disease means a greater chance the cancer has spread (metastasized) to distant organs, such as the lung or brain.  This will likely mean additional surgeries, more chemotherapy and/or radiation after surgery, and a greater risk of recurrence of the cancer later on.

Finally, tests for colon cancer can cause injury if not properly performed.  Perforation of the colon can occur if the sigmoidoscope or colonoscope is not properly advanced or removed.  These injuries can result in further surgeries, infections, additional scaring and other permanent conditions.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with colon cancer or rectal cancer that you believe should have been diagnosed sooner, call Phillips & Paolicelli.  Our team of experienced medical malpractice lawyers can help you get compensation for the delay in diagnosis, including pain and suffering, as well as medical expenses.