Recently, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists announced that women can forego cervical cancer screening until they are 21 years of age and, even then, only need screening every 2-3 years. Previously, the standard of care required Pap testing within three years after a woman started having vaginal intercourse in order to check for pre-cancerous cells within the cervix.
Many criticize the change in screening protocol. Some suggest that it will encourage failures to diagnose cancer and increase the potential for medical malpractice. Others condone the decision. According to Richard Waldman, M.D., a Syracuse ob/gyn “[t]hese guidelines are coming from an organization that is out to protect women. There was no cost savings taken into consideration.”
Pap test samples fall into two primary categories. The first, for no cell abnormalities, are reported as “negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy.” Samples with abnormalities are subdivided into several categories, including ASC (atypical squamous cells), AGC (atypical glandular cells), AIS (endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ), LSIL (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion), and HSIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion). Each category has a different prognosis.
The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict all types of medical malpractice cases including the failure to diagnose cervical cancer. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer, you and/or your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Central New York medical malpractice and failure to diagnose cancer attorney, contact Bottar Law, PLLC now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.