Chicago Ovarian Cancer Misdiagnosis Lawyer

At Rosenfield Injury Lawyers, we represent individuals harmed by medical negligence, including cancer misdiagnosis cases. An experienced ovarian cancer misdiagnosis lawyer understands how a doctor’s failure to provide an accurate diagnosis can lead to unnecessary suffering, costly medical bills, and reduced survival rates.

A delayed or incorrect diagnosis of ovarian cancer can have devastating consequences. When doctors fail to recognize the signs or order appropriate tests, cancer may progress to an advanced stage before treatment begins. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a cancer misdiagnosis, you may have legal options.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the ovaries, the reproductive glands responsible for producing eggs. It is one of the most serious gynecologic cancers, often diagnosed in later stages due to vague symptoms. Each year, thousands of women are affected, with survival rates significantly improving when the disease is diagnosed early.

Early detection is essential, as treatment is more effective in the early stage before the cancer spreads to distant organs. However, diagnostic errors and a doctor’s failure to recognize warning signs can delay diagnosis, reducing treatment options and survival chances.

Types of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is classified into three main types, each with distinct characteristics:

• Epithelial ovarian cancer – This is the most common type, accounting for about 90% of cases. It develops in the outer layer of the ovary and is often diagnosed late due to mild or vague symptoms.
• Germ cell ovarian cancer – A rarer form that starts in the egg-producing cells of the ovary. It typically affects younger women and has a higher chance of early diagnosis, leading to better treatment outcomes.
• Stromal ovarian cancer – Arises from the ovarian tissue that produces hormones. It is less aggressive than other forms and may cause noticeable symptoms, such as abnormal bleeding, earlier in its progression.

Risk Factors for Developing Ovarian Cancer

Several factors can increase a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer:

• Age – The risk rises with age, with most cases diagnosed in women over 50.
• Family history – Women with close relatives who had ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer face a higher risk.
• Genetic mutations – BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations significantly increase the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer and other cancers.
• Reproductive history – Women who have never been pregnant or had their first child after 35 may have an increased risk.
• Hormone therapy – Long-term estrogen replacement therapy after menopause has been linked to higher risks.
• Medical conditions – Irritable bowel syndrome and endometriosis have been associated with a greater likelihood of developing ovarian cancer.

Recognizing the Subtle Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer symptoms are often vague and easily mistaken for less severe conditions, leading to delayed and missed diagnoses. Common symptoms include:

• Pelvic pain or abdominal discomfort;
• Bloating or a feeling of fullness even after small meals;
• Frequent urination or an urgent need to urinate;
• Changes in bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhea;
• Unexplained weight loss or gain;
• Fatigue and general weakness;
• Menstrual irregularities or postmenopausal bleeding.

The Stages of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is classified into four stages based on how far it has spread. Early detection improves treatment success, but a delayed diagnosis often results in later-stage identification.

• Stage I – Cancer is confined to one or both ovaries. Prognosis is best at this early stage, especially with an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.
• Stage II – The cancer has spread to nearby pelvic organs, such as the fallopian tubes or uterus. Treatment is still effective, but outcomes depend on how soon it is detected.
• Stage III – The disease has reached the abdominal lining or lymph nodes. This is the most common stage of diagnosis due to missed symptoms and diagnostic errors.
• Stage IV – Cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the liver or lungs. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, but survival rates are lower.

The Standard of Care for Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer

Doctors are expected to follow established guidelines when evaluating symptoms that could indicate ovarian cancer. Early and accurate detection is critical, yet diagnostic errors and a doctor’s failure to order appropriate tests can lead to a late diagnosis. Proper evaluation involves a combination of physical exams, blood tests, imaging, and pathology.

Pelvic Exams and Their Limitations

A pelvic exam is often the first step in evaluating common symptoms like pelvic pain or bloating. However, early-stage ovarian cancer is rarely detectable through physical examination alone. Tumors are often too small to be felt, making it easy for doctors to miss warning signs. Relying solely on a pelvic exam without ordering additional diagnostic tests can result in a late diagnosis.

CA-125 Blood Test: Uses and Interpretations

The CA-125 blood test measures a protein that may be elevated in ovarian cancer patients. While useful, it is not a definitive diagnostic tool. High levels can be caused by other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or endometriosis. Medical professionals must interpret test results carefully and order further testing if cancer is suspected. Misinterpreting or dismissing abnormal CA-125 levels can lead to a failure to diagnose cancer.

Transvaginal Ultrasound: A Key Diagnostic Tool

A transvaginal ultrasound allows doctors to visualize the ovaries and detect abnormalities, such as cysts or malignant tumors. This noninvasive test is critical for assessing suspicious symptoms and guiding further evaluation. If a doctor overlooks abnormal findings or fails to order this test when needed, it can delay a cancer diagnosis, worsening the patient’s prognosis.

Other Imaging Tests (CT, MRI, PET)

When an ultrasound detects a mass, additional imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans may be needed to determine whether the cancer has spread to distant organs. These tests help stage the disease and plan treatment. Medical errors in interpreting these scans can lead to an incorrect or missed diagnosis, affecting survival rates.

Biopsy and Pathological Confirmation

A biopsy is the only way to confirm an ovarian cancer diagnosis. This involves removing a tissue sample from the ovary or another affected area for microscopic examination. Medical malpractice cases may arise when doctors fail to perform a biopsy or misinterpret test results, leading to unnecessary delays in treatment.

Referral to a Gynecologic Oncologist

If ovarian cancer is suspected or confirmed, a patient should be referred to a gynecologic oncologist—a specialist trained to treat gynecologic cancers. A doctor’s failure to make a timely referral can prevent cancer patients from receiving the best possible care. Prompt specialist involvement improves treatment outcomes and increases survival rates.

Common Causes of Ovarian Cancer Misdiagnosis

An ovarian cancer misdiagnosis can have life-altering consequences, leading to a late diagnosis, unnecessary suffering, and limited treatment options. Negligence occurs when healthcare providers fail to follow standard diagnostic procedures, allowing cancer to progress undetected. Several common errors contribute to cancer misdiagnosis cases.

Failure to Recognize and Investigate Symptoms

Ovarian cancer symptoms, such as pelvic pain, bloating, and digestive issues, are often mistaken for minor conditions. When medical professionals dismiss concerns without ordering diagnostic tests, the opportunity for an early diagnosis is lost. A doctor’s failure to investigate persistent symptoms can result in late diagnosis and reduced survival rates.

Misinterpretation of CA-125 Test Results

While the CA-125 test can indicate ovarian cancer, its levels may also rise due to benign conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or endometriosis. Misreading test results—either by dismissing elevated levels or assuming normal levels rule out cancer—can cause dangerous delays in a cancer diagnosis.

Inadequate or Improper Imaging Techniques

Pelvic ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs are essential for detecting tumors, but mistakes in ordering, performing, or interpreting these diagnostic tests can lead to a missed diagnosis. Failing to follow up on abnormal findings can allow a malignant tumor to grow undetected, making treatment more difficult.

Failure to Order a Biopsy When Indicated

A biopsy is the only way to confirm ovarian cancer definitively. When doctors fail to perform this procedure or misinterpret biopsy results, patients may be wrongly reassured that they do not have cancer. This medical error can delay life-saving treatment, leading to disease progression.

Misdiagnosis as a Benign Condition (e.g., Ovarian Cysts, IBS)

Ovarian cancer is frequently mistaken for colorectal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, or benign ovarian cysts due to overlapping symptoms. When doctors fail to consider cancer as a possibility, they may provide incorrect treatments, allowing the disease to advance unchecked.

Delay in Referral to a Specialist

A doctor’s failure to refer a patient to a gynecologic oncologist can be a severe form of negligence. Specialists are better equipped to diagnose and treat ovarian cancer effectively. Unnecessary delays in referrals can reduce treatment options and significantly impact survival rates.

Seeking Legal Recourse for Ovarian Cancer Misdiagnosis in Chicago

A cancer misdiagnosis can have devastating consequences, leading to advanced disease progression, and fewer treatment options. If a doctor’s failure to detect or adequately diagnose ovarian cancer caused harm, you may have a right to seek compensation. An experienced cancer misdiagnosis lawyer can help you pursue justice and hold negligent healthcare providers accountable.

Proving Medical Negligence in Misdiagnosis Cases

A medical malpractice lawsuit for an ovarian cancer misdiagnosis is based on proving negligence—the failure of a medical professional to provide the standard of care expected in diagnosing and treating a patient. The following elements must be established to prove negligence:

• The doctor had a duty to provide appropriate medical care.
• The doctor acted negligently, failing to order necessary diagnostic tests or misinterpreting test results.
• The failure to diagnose led to harm, such as disease progression, more invasive treatments, or emotional distress.
• The patient suffered measurable damages, such as more aggressive treatment, increased medical expenses, or lost wages.

Investigating Your Case: Gathering Evidence and Expert Testimony

Building a strong medical malpractice claim requires thorough investigation, including:

• Reviewing medical records to identify diagnostic errors;
• Consulting medical experts to determine if the standard of care was violated;
• Analyzing test results from pelvic ultrasounds, CA-125 tests, and imaging scans;
• Collecting statements from other healthcare providers or witnesses.

Recovering Compensation for Medical Expenses, Lost Income, and Other Damages

A cancer misdiagnosis lawsuit can help victims and their families recover financial and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical expenses for surgeries, chemotherapy, hospital stays, and medications;
• Future medical costs for ongoing treatment and care;
• Lost wages from time missed at work due to illness and treatment;
• Loss of earning capacity if the misdiagnosis affects long-term employment;
• Pain and suffering from aggressive treatments or worsening illness;
• Emotional distress from anxiety, depression, or reduced quality of life.

If a cancer misdiagnosis leads to a preventable death, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.

Holding Negligent Healthcare Providers Accountable

When medical errors result in misdiagnosed cancer, holding those responsible accountable can help prevent similar cancer misdiagnosis cases in the future. Legal action not only allows victims to secure compensation but also pushes for better diagnostic practices, improving patient safety for others.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Illinois?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit is generally two years from the date the patient knew or should have known about the negligence. This means that if a cancer misdiagnosis is discovered later, the two-year period starts from that date, not necessarily when the doctor made the error.

However, an overall statute of repose prevents lawsuits from being filed more than four years after the malpractice occurred, regardless of when it was discovered.

If the malpractice happened before a patient turned 18, Illinois law extends the deadline, allowing them to file a lawsuit until their 22nd birthday.

In wrongful death cases, surviving family members generally have up to two years from the date of their loved one’s passing to file a claim.

Book a Free Consultation!

If you or a loved one has suffered due to an ovarian cancer misdiagnosis, the legal team at Rosenfield Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our experienced misdiagnosis lawyers understand the devastating impact of a late diagnosis and are committed to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we successfully recover your compensation. To schedule a free consultation, call our Chicago personal injury attorneys at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.