In this article we look at medical negligence and brain tumours
Brain tumours
More than 12,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour in the UK, each year. Usually, half of the brain tumours diagnosed are cancerous and anyone, at any age can be affected. A brain tumour is a growth of cells, which multiplies uncontrollably in the brain.
There are two main types of brain tumour:
- Non-cancerous (benign) – These are slow growing tumours, and generally do not return after treatment; and
- Cancerous (malignant) – These have either started in the brain or spread to the brain, and are more likely to grow back after treatment.
Symptoms
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Mental or behavioural changes
- Nausea and drowsiness
- Vision or speech problems
- Progressive weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
Symptoms will depend on the severity of the brain tumour and where it is located.
Treatment for brain tumours
Treatment for a brain tumour will depend on the type of tumour, where it is located and how abnormal the cells are. Treatments include;
- Steroids
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery
- Medicines to relieve symptoms.
Surgery is usually done to attempt to remove the tumour, however it is not always possible to remove all of the tumour, so other treatments such as chemotherapy may be recommended.
Medical negligence and brain tumours
It is vitally important that brain tumours, especially cancerous ones, are diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, as medical negligence lawyers, we see cases where a patient’s symptoms have not been properly investigated, causing a delay in diagnosis. Delays can have a serious impact on the effectiveness of medical treatment and the patient’s long term prospects.
If healthcare professionals are at fault in failing to investigate a patient’s symptoms or diagnosing a brain tumour then consideration can be given to making a compensation claim for their suffering and any financial loss that arises as a consequence.
For further guidance on medical negligence and brain tumours please contact our team of specialist lawyers. We have experience of dealing with late diagnosis and missed diagnosis claims, and will be happy to provide a free review of your case along with details of No Win, No Fee funding.
