California Failure to Diagnose Oral Cancer

Having healthy teeth and gums is crucial for overall wellness. We rely on our dentists to help maintain the integrity of these structures and to address any issues we bring up that may pertain to overall well being. Sometimes dentists will fail to provide optimal care, however, which may mean serious repercussions for patients and their loved one.

When patients suffer from major health issues due to negligent dental care, the dental professionals should be held accountable. This is why it's imperative that you speak with a dental malpractice lawyer should any such matters occur. This is especially important when it comes to oral cancers, a topic that we'd like to focus on briefly right now.

About Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a broad term covering cancer that affects the various structures of the mouth, including the tongue, lips, hard palate, soft palate, the salivary glands, the mandible, and the throat. Many of these cancers start as a small growth or a sore that does not respond to traditional treatments.

It's important that you be attentive and discuss any sores or growths of this kind with your dentist or with your physician.

Signs / Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Apart from the persistent sore/growth, some other common signs and symptoms of oral cancer include:

• Swelling of the various structures in the mouth
• Strange textures and tastes in the mouth
• Sensations of discomfort or numbness
• Bleeding from various oral structures
• Ear pain
• Jaw pain
• Changes in weight
• Persistent dry mouth

Why Early Diagnosis of Oral Cancer is Crucial

As with many serious illnesses, the earlier that oral cancer is caught, the easier it is to treat. The failure to diagnose oral cancer means that treating the oral cancer will be more complicated. In the worst case scenario, the oral cancer may have progressed too far to be treated effectively.

Should I get a second opinion?

It's always a good idea to discuss serious issues with the structures of your mouth with your dentist as well as your physician. If problems persist and your dentist and physician cannot detect any problems, it's a good idea to seek out a second (or third) opinion only if just to provide peace of mind and an assurance that whatever you are facing can be treated. It's better to be safe than sorry.

How Fault Is Proven In These Cases

A dental malpractice lawyer will examine the nature of your case and look into your medical and dental records as well. If there are any obvious signs of cancer in x-rays or during basic dental care, that potentially demonstrates negligence on the part of the dentist. This is especially true if the patient has been complaining of problems for some time.

Robert Gittleman will also look for the following risk factors for oral cancers, which when coupled with obvious symptoms should alert dental care providers and general practitioners to a potentially serious health problem:

• Family history of cancer
• Use of tobacco products
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Excessive exposure to UV radiation

What Our Legal Team Can Do for You and Your Loved Ones

Robert Gittleman will fight diligently to ensure that you receive just compensation if your cancer diagnosis has been delayed or if your oral cancer was misdiagnosed as a lesser health problem. The compensation you receive will cover your medical bills, loss of livelihood, and advanced treatments for cancer, and pain, emotional anguish and cosmetic deformities. If you lose a loved one because of delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis, the compensation will help cover funerary costs as well as the emotional hardships associated with the tragic death.

Learn More About Dental Malpractice Lawsuits

For more information on your legal rights regarding dental malpractice and negligence of dentists and oral surgeons, be sure to contact a dental malpractice lawyer today. Our firm is here to help make sure your side of the story is clearly heard and that you receive just compensation for any hardships you have faced.