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Ewings Sarcoma Medical Malpractice Article
Ewings Sarcoma & Medical Malpractice
from: Michael Monheit, Esquire, Monheit Law, PCEwing’s sarcoma, a childhood cancer, is fairly rare, but is often curable. Information on Ewings sacroma is key! The most important factor is making an early diagnosis. The second critical piece of information on Ewings sarcoma is the choice and monitoring of proper pediatric cancer treatment.
Ewing’s sarcoma mostly strikes between the ages of 10 and 20, but younger children and older adults can also get the disease. The cause of Ewing's sarcoma is unknown. Like other cancers it is not infectious and cannot be passed on to other people. However, like other sarcomas; it can be spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms of Ewing's sarcoma vary depending on the location and size of the cancer. The most common symptoms are pain and swelling or tenderness in the affected area. Pain may become very intense when the tumor is located near important nerves, like in the pelvis or spine. Swelling is often seen, especially when the long bones of the arms or legs are affected.
Sometimes the Ewing’s sarcoma tumor can interfere with movement and can weaken bones, occasionally leading to a fracture. Other Ewing’s sarcoma symptoms may include tiredness, fever, weight loss, and anemia.
Ewing’s sarcoma may be diagnosed from x-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A specialist must biopsy a mass when Ewing's sarcoma is suspected. A bone marrow biopsy may also be needed to evaluate the extent of Ewing’s sarcoma.
Information on curing Ewings sarcoma: Most children with Ewing's sarcoma can be cured. Even if the tumor returns, further treatment may be given successfully. Surgery and radiotherapy can stop bones from growing and may make muscles and tendons shorter. Thusly, further operations later in life are necessary. However, most children who are successfully treated for Ewing's sarcoma grow up with little disability if a timely diagnosis is made and proper Ewing’s sarcoma treatment begins.
Information on Failure to diagnose Ewing’s sarcoma properly may be due to: Today’s average medical practitioner will rarely see a child with cancer. Lack of familiarity with the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer may be one reason why the diagnosis is delayed or missed. Another reason may be the result of too many layers of healthcare bureaucracy or the exorbitant cost of healthcare.
Failure to diagnose Ewing’s sarcoma and other childhood cancers may result in medical malpractice.
Information on Litigating Ewings Sarcoma cases: Do Ewing’s sarcoma medical malpractice cases end up in trial?
Many Ewing’s sarcoma and other pediatric cancer cases are resolved without going to trial; however, an insurance company cannot settle a case without consent of its insured. Also some medical malpractice cases never go to trial but instead are resolved through binding arbitration. Many hospitals, doctors, and HMOs ask patients to sign an agreement to go to binding arbitration in the event of a claim or dispute. These agreements are often in fine print in the initial papers a patient fills out when first seeing a doctor or upon admission to a hospital or joining a HMO.
About the Author
Michael Monheit, Esquire is the managing attorney for Monheit Law. The practice focuses on plaintiff personal injury cases. For more infomation, please use our Ewings Sarcoma Case Inquiry Form