Marked each year on 27 July, World Head and Neck Cancer Day raises awareness of cancers affecting the mouth, throat, larynx, nose, sinuses and surrounding structures. Sadly, it is reported there are over 500,000 cases and 200,000 head and neck cancer related deaths globally each year [Mouth Cancer Foundation]. Early diagnosis is crucial because symptoms can often resemble common, non-serious conditions such as a sore throat, cold, dental problem or infection.
When cancer is identified at an early stage, treatment is generally more effective and may be less invasive. Delays in diagnosis can allow the disease to grow, spread to nearby tissues and lymph nodes, and in some cases spread to other parts of the body.
Medical negligence cases involving head and neck cancer often arises when healthcare professionals fail to recognise, investigate or act on symptoms that may indicate cancer.
Examples can include delays in referring a patient to a specialist, failing to arrange appropriate diagnostic tests, misinterpreting scan results, or not carrying out a biopsy when clinically indicated. When diagnosis and treatment are delayed, the cancer may progress to a more advanced stage, resulting in more extensive treatment and sadly a lesser prognosis.
Symptoms that should not be ignored
Anyone experiencing persistent or unexplained symptoms should seek medical advice. Warning signs of head and neck cancer can include:
- A mouth ulcer or sore that has not healed within three weeks;
- Red or white patches inside the mouth;
- A lump in the mouth, throat or neck;
- Persistent sore throat;
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing;
- Ongoing hoarseness or changes to the voice;
- Unexplained swelling in the neck.
While these symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer, they should be properly assessed and investigated where appropriate.
Consequences of a delayed diagnosis
Prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer. Where diagnosis is delayed, the tumour may increase in size and spread to surrounding structures or lymph nodes.
As a result, patients may require:
- More extensive surgical procedures;
- Higher doses of radiotherapy;
- Additional chemotherapy or immunotherapy;
- Complex reconstructive surgery;
- Longer recovery periods and rehabilitation.
In some cases, a delay in diagnosis can reduce treatment options and adversely affect long-term survival prospects.
Can you make a medical negligence claim?
If a GP or doctor has failed to diagnose or treat head and neck cancer within a reasonable timeframe, you may be entitled to bring a medical negligence claim. A successful claim may help secure compensation for the additional pain, suffering, treatment, loss of earnings and other consequences resulting from the delay.
If you or a loved one have suffered from head or neck cancer and feel that there was a delay in diagnosis or that the treatment was not conducted to an appropriate standard, please call us free on 0808 164 0808 to see how we can help.
