Medical Malpractice

The thyroid is a gland in the neck that is located near the base of the throat and is shaped like a butterfly. This gland is comprised of two different lobes, one on the left and one on the right, and is in charge of producing certain types of hormones. The thyroid uses iodine to help with the production of these various hormones. The hormones produced by the thyroid have many important functions such as regulating blood pressure, heart rate, metabolism, and body temperature. They are also necessary to manage different muscles, the nervous system, and organs. The thyroid is also a major factor in development and growth for children.

Thyroid cancer is a disease that results in the thyroid gland cells growing at a pace that is uncontrollable and rapid, which then becomes abnormal and causes masses to form, known as tumors.

Once the cells are examined under a microscope, and depending on how they appear, the type of cancer is classified as one of four possible types: anaplastic, follicular, medullary, or papillary. Each of these types of thyroid cancer grows at a different pace, and if not treated properly and promptly can spread to other areas within the body.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is responsible for roughly two percent of all cases of the disease. This form is extremely aggressive, and is the fastest growing form of thyroid cancer.

Follicular thyroid cancer is the second most commonly seen type of the disease, and is responsible for between thirty and fifty percent of all cases. This type of thyroid cancer originates in the cells of the thyroid that produce hormones.

Medullary thyroid cancer is responsible for about five to seven percent of all cases of the disease. This form of thyroid cancer starts in the parafollicular cells that produce calcitonin, which are also known as C cells. This type of hormone does not make use of or contain iodine.

Papillary thyroid cancer makes up the majority of cases of the disease, representing about sixty to eighty percent. This form of thyroid cancer is quite slow growing, and originates in the hormone producing cells that contain iodine.

For the most part, thyroid cancer is a slow growing cancer that often begins with just one symptom: swelling at the base of the neck where the gland is located. Another common symptom may include difficulty swallowing because of the tumor pressing on the gullet or windpipe. Typically, the main function of the thyroid gland is not affected when a tumor is present and individuals who have an overactive or underactive thyroid gland are not considered to be at a higher risk of developing cancer. Since there are few symptoms that are absolutely definitive, it is not uncommon that this disease is misdiagnosed.

In order to ensure a proper diagnosis of thyroid cancer is made, it is necessary for the following to occur:

Blood work - Blood tests help to measure the thyroid releasing hormone (TRH) levels, which is often a strong indicator of abnormalities, including cancer.

Fine needle aspiration and/or biopsy - This involves a medical professional inserting a thin, small needle into the area of the neck that is swollen. It is usually done with the help of an ultrasound. The needle then collects a sample of tissue that will be later examined in a laboratory.

While it is true that most type of thyroid cancers are not aggressive, and grow slowly, it is still absolutely critical that an early diagnosis is made, in order for the best treatment to be ordered, thus providing the best chance of recovery.

Unfortunately, each year, many patients needlessly suffer because a proper diagnosis of thyroid cancer is not made, it is overlooked, or it is delayed to the point that a successful recovery is no longer possible. The main reasons for this have to do with various levels of human interpretation, which leaves a great deal of room for error. When this happens, medical negligence has occurred, and it is important that the responsible parties be held accountable. You do have legal rights, and you should understand that you may be able to take action in order to receive monetary compensation for your injuries and medical expenses.

If you or someone you know has suffered because of a misdiagnosis of thyroid cancer, or a delayed diagnosis, you should not delay in seeking legal advice. A professional personal injury attorney who specializes in the area of medical negligence or malpractice is quite skilled with handling these types of cases and can handle every aspect of your claim. He or she knows the ins and outs of the law, and will be able to determine if your case is viable, along with the best way to file, what evidence is necessary, and when an expert should be called to testify.

Since these cases can be quite complex in nature, and because the laws and statutes of limitations do vary a good deal from state to state, it is important that you get help and do not try to pursue your case on your own. Medical professionals have teams of legal counsel on their side, ready to protect their clients at all times. Because of these reasons, it is very hard for someone without their own legal representation to recoup damages.

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means you will get proper legal representation of your own, without the need to pay upfront. This will allow you to focus on seeking the medical help and treatments you need to improve your medical condition, without having the added worry of how to fund your legal claim. Personal injury attorneys take care of your case from start to finish. You should never risk becoming a victim twice, and you should not let the party or parties responsible who are for your injuries get away with what they have done. A personal injury attorney can help you to secure your future, while bringing forth the justice that is rightly deserved.