Rapid and uncontrolled cell growth in the brain can result in brain cancer aka brain tumors. Many tumors start in the brain, but not always. It is possible for the tumor to start in another part of the body and spread to the brain. If, when you go into see your doctor to see what is causing your brain cancer symptoms, you are misdiagnosed you may be able to seek legal recourse by filing a brain cancer misdiagnosis claim. These claims are also referred to as brain cancer misdiagnosis lawsuits and, if the diagnostic error resulted in further injury, financial losses, diminished quality of life or wrongful death our cancer misdiagnosis attorneys can help.
Types, & Statistics, Of Brain Cancer
Studies conducted by cancer.net show very detailed brain cancer stats. A primary brain or spinal cord tumor is a tumor that starts in the brain or spinal cord. This year, an estimated 23,890 adults (13,590 men and 10,300 women) in the United States will be diagnosed with primary cancerous tumors of the brain and spinal cord. A person’s likelihood of developing this type of tumor in their lifetime is less than 1%. Brain tumors account for 85% to 90% of all primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors.
About 3,540 children under the age of 15 will also be diagnosed with a brain or CNS tumor this year. The rest of this guide deals with adult primary brain tumors.
In addition to primary brain tumors, there are also secondary brain tumors or brain metastases. This is when the tumor started somewhere else in the body and spread to the brain. The most common cancers that spread to the brain are bladder, breast, kidney, and lung cancers, as well as leukemia, lymphoma, and melanoma. This guide covers primary adult brain tumors only.
Brain and other nervous system cancer is the 10th leading cause of death for men and women. It is estimated that 18,020 adults (10,190 men and 7,830 women) will die from primary cancerous brain and CNS tumors this year.
The 5-year survival rate tells you what percent of people live at least 5 years after the tumor is found. Percent means how many out of 100. The 5-year survival rate for people with a cancerous brain or CNS tumor is almost 36%. The 10-year survival rate is almost 31%. Survival rates decrease with age. The 5-year survival rate for people younger than age 15 is more than 74%. For people age 15 to 39, the 5-year survival rate is about 71%. The 5-year survival rate for people age 40 and over is about 21%. However, survival rates vary widely and depend on several factors, including the type of brain or spinal cord tumor. Talk with your doctor about what to expect with your diagnosis.
Brain tumors, as well as most cancers, fall into 2 categories: benign or malignant. Each show different sets of symptoms and signs. A benign tumor is one that does not spread to other parts of the brain, while a malignant tumor is one that can and will spread to other parts of the brain and into the spinal cord.
Each year there are approximately 23,000 new brain tumor cases diagnosed in the United States. Of these new cases, about 15,000 people will lose their battle with cancer.
Signs & Symptoms Of Brain Cancer
As the brain controls almost every function in the human body it makes sense that a tumor will impact different parts of the body. The parts effected are related to where in the brain the tumor lies. Signs and symptoms of brain cancer include:
Numbness in upper extremities (arms)
Numbness in lower extremities (legs)
Seizures, tremors and shaking
Cognitive dysfunction such as memory , speech, vision and hearing loss
Headaches, nausea and vomiting
Diminished motor skills
These are also signs and symptoms of other brain injuries and illnesses which can lead to a delayed or inaccurate diagnosis. However that does not mean that you are not entitled to benefits, damages and financial compensation due to the error by your doctor.
How Is Brain Cancer Inaccurately Diagnosed?
As signs and symptoms of brain cancer are similar to other head and brain injuries these very serious cases are often misdiagnosed. Also, it takes very specific tests to properly diagnose a tumor in the brain. If the tests, which can consist of, CT scans, MRI’s and or EEG’s, are not ordered medical malpractice can result.
Or, if they are ordered but are not interpreted correctly, medical negligence can be the end result.
Other diagnostic tests need to be done in order to correctly diagnose, or even rule out, brain cancer. These are myelograms, PET scans, spinal taps, angiograms and x-rays of the skull.
In addition to these different tests a thorough family history is needed in an effort to determine the likelihood of a person being predisposed to brain cancer or any type of cancer. Failure of your oncologist to obtain this history can also lead to medical malpractice or negligence.
What Can Brain Tumors Be Misdiagnosed As?
Tumors of the brain are often confused with other head injuries such as concussions, headaches, migraine headaches, encephalitis, Alzheimer’s Disease, Lyme Disease, meningitis, subdural hematoma and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Let our medical negligence attorneys review your claim in depth at no cost to you. Any benefits, medical care and financial compensation you are entitled to they will fight to obtain for you.
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