Failure to Diagnose Thyroid Cancer: Is It Medical Malpractice?

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common endocrine cancers. Like most cancers, early diagnosis is imperative for effective treatment and better outcomes. When medical professionals fail to diagnose this condition, patients may suffer severe consequences, but when is it medical malpractice in Maryland?

At The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl, our knowledgeable Maryland medical malpractice lawyers are here to help you. Take advantage of the free, no-risk consultation to discuss your situation. We can answer your questions and determine whether you may have a case. There is no risk and no obligation to work with us after your consultation.

Call today to learn if you are a victim of medical malpractice: 410-220-5827

What Is Thyroid Cancer and Why Is an Early Diagnosis Critical?

Thyroid cancer develops in the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland located at the base of the neck. The thyroid gland regulates your body’s metabolism and energy production. When cells in this vital gland develop mutations, they can grow uncontrollably. Sometimes these mutations form into cancerous tumors that may spread to nearby tissues and other parts of the body if left untreated.

Early diagnosis of thyroid cancer is crucial because it dramatically improves your treatment outcomes and overall quality of life. When detected in its initial stages, thyroid cancer typically responds well to treatment with high survival rates.

When a doctor fails to diagnosis your thyroid cancer, it allows the cancer to advance. In some cases, the cancer could spread beyond the thyroid, which would require you to undergo more aggressive treatments. These aggressive treatments also come with greater side effects, longer recovery periods, and reduced chances of complete remission.

What Are the Different Types of Thyroid Cancers?

Doctors recognize several unique forms of thyroid cancer. Each type behaves a little differently in the body and requires specific treatment methods.

Papillary Thyroid Cancer

This type of thyroid cancer is considered the most common, accounting for approximately 80 percent of all cases. Fortunately, papillary thyroid cancer progresses more slowly, and while it often affects younger people, it can affect anyone at any age. The 10-year survival rate is good – greater than 95 percent when patients receive proper treatment.

Follicular Thyroid Cancer

The second most common type (10-15 percent of cases diagnosed) is slightly more aggressive than papillary but still generally has good outcomes. Follicular thyroid cancer spreads via bloodstream to lungs and bones more often than papillary cancer.

Hürthle Cell Carcinoma

A variant of follicular cancer that’s more aggressive. Hürthle Cell Carcinoma is less responsive to radioactive iodine treatment and has higher recurrence rates.

Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC)

An uncommon type of thyroid cancer (only accounts for three to five percent of cases diagnosed). Originates from C cells that produce calcitonin. It is more aggressive than papillary and follicular types, often spreading to lymph nodes early on. MTC can be hereditary.

Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Rare and more aggressive than the well-differentiated types above. Cells look less like normal thyroid tissue and behave more aggressively.

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (ATC)

Extremely rare (one to two percent of cases) but highly aggressive. Rapid growth, early spread, and poor response to treatment. Has the worst prognosis with median survival often measured in months rather than years.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer Doctors Should Recognize?

Thyroid cancer often develops without causing noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This is one of the reasons it is more frequently discovered during routine physical exams or imaging tests done for other reasons. When symptoms do occur, they typically result from the growth of the tumor pressing on adjacent structures in the neck or from hormonal changes if the cancer affects thyroid function.

The first symptoms of thyroid cancer may include the following:

• Swelling or Lump in the Neck: This may be the first noticeable sign. A lump can often be felt, even if it is small.
• Changes in the Sound of the Voice: Hoarseness or other voice alterations can occur as the cancer affects surrounding tissues.
• Difficulty Swallowing: If the cancer grows large enough, it may compress the esophagus, making swallowing uncomfortable or challenging.
• Persistent Cough: A cough that does not go away, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, can be a cause for concern.

While many thyroid nodules are benign and do not indicate cancer, it is vital to have any unusual changes evaluated promptly. Early diagnosis can have a significant impact on your treatment options and potential outcomes, which is why a timely evaluation is critical for anyone experiencing these symptoms.

How Medical Professionals Should Diagnose Thyroid Cancer

Obtaining a proper diagnosis of thyroid cancer requires a systematic approach that should combine a physical examination, laboratory testing, and specialized imaging. When healthcare providers follow these established diagnostic protocols, they are more likely to identify thyroid cancer in its earliest stages when treatment is most effective.

Physical Examination

Doctors typically begin with a thorough examination to check for abnormal lumps, swelling, or enlarged lymph nodes that might indicate thyroid cancer. During this examination, the doctor may ask you to swallow while they palpate your neck to observe how the thyroid moves.

Blood Tests

Blood tests do not directly diagnose thyroid cancer, but they can help evaluate thyroid function, which can reveal important information about the gland’s health. These tests measure thyroid hormone levels and may include TSH, T3, T4, and thyroglobulin testing.

Ultrasound Imaging

Thyroid ultrasounds provide detailed images of the gland and can identify nodules too small to feel during physical examination. This painless procedure helps doctors measure nodules and determine which ones have suspicious characteristics that require further investigation.

Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy

This diagnostic procedure involves inserting a thin needle into suspicious thyroid nodules to extract cells for microscopic examination. It’s the most definitive way to confirm or rule out thyroid cancer and can typically be performed in a doctor’s office.

Advanced Imaging

In some cases, additional imaging such as CT scans, MRI, or radioiodine scans may be necessary to evaluate the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread beyond the thyroid gland to nearby structures or distant organs.

Failure to Diagnose: A Closer Look

Failure to diagnose thyroid cancer can happen for several reasons and understanding these can help patients recognize when something might have gone wrong in their care.

Inadequate Testing

Sometimes, healthcare providers may not order the right tests needed to identify thyroid cancer. For instance, they might overlook essential procedures like ultrasounds or biopsies, which are crucial for evaluating nodules in the thyroid. Without these tests, potential signs of cancer can remain hidden, leaving the condition undetected.

Misinterpretation of Results

Even when tests are conducted, there is still a risk of misreading the results. A healthcare provider may misinterpret ultrasound images or biopsy samples, leading to an incorrect conclusion. This misreading can prevent the patient from receiving timely treatment, allowing the cancer to progress.

Ignoring Symptoms

Patients often describe symptoms they experience, but sometimes a healthcare provider may dismiss these concerns as minor or unrelated to a serious condition. For example, if a patient mentions a lump in their neck or changes in their voice, a doctor might attribute these issues to something less concerning, like allergies or a common cold. This can delay important investigations and lead to a missed diagnosis.

When Does a Missed Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis Become Medical Malpractice?

A missed thyroid cancer diagnosis may cross into medical malpractice territory when your doctor fails to recognize and investigate telltale signs like neck lumps, voice changes, or swallowing difficulties that another competent physician would have pursued.

Medical malpractice specifically occurs when your healthcare provider neglects to order appropriate thyroid tests despite concerning symptoms, misinterprets ultrasound or biopsy results showing cancerous cells, or fails to refer you to an endocrinologist when warranted.

For your case to qualify as malpractice under Maryland law, however, it is very specific. Your health care provider’s negligent delay must have allowed your thyroid cancer to progress to the point where it can no longer be treated, and hospice/end of life palliative care is the only remaining option.

Examples of thyroid cancer medical malpractice include:

• Dismissing a visible or palpable thyroid nodule without proper investigation
• Failing to order a thyroid ultrasound when neck abnormalities are detected
• Not performing a fine-needle aspiration biopsy on suspicious nodules
• Misreading biopsy results that clearly indicate malignant cells
• Neglecting to follow up on abnormal thyroid function tests
• Ignoring risk factors such as previous neck radiation or family history of thyroid cancer
• Failing to recognize symptoms of advanced thyroid cancer like persistent cough or breathing difficulties

How Could a Delayed Diagnosis Impact My Life?

The effects of a delayed diagnosis of thyroid cancer can drastically alter a person’s life, creating unexpected and devastating challenges:

Increases the Likelihood That Treatment Will Not Be Possible

When thyroid cancer is diagnosed later, treatment options may no longer be possible, causing patients to unnecessarily suffer physically, emotionally, and financially.

Emotional Toll Caused by a Delayed Diagnosis

Knowing that a delayed cancer diagnosis could have provided a chance of treatment and survival can be overwhelming for patients and their families, leading to intense feelings, depression, or heightened anxiety.

Unexpected Medical Costs and End of Life Care

Delayed diagnoses resulting in end-of-life care can be costly. While treating the cancer may no longer be possible, patients may still need medication to reduce pain, nausea, and other discomfort. Patients may also need at home nursing care. If the patient was a major financial contributor to the family, it adds another layer of stress and suffering, affecting both the patient and their family.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Thyroid Cancer Was Misdiagnosed

If you believe your thyroid cancer was not diagnosed when it should have been, it is vital you take immediate steps to protect your legal rights:

• See a thyroid specialist immediately for comprehensive evaluation and proper staging of your cancer
• Request thyroid-related medical records, including all ultrasounds, blood tests, and physician notes
• Create a detailed symptom timeline noting when you reported neck lumps, voice changes, or swallowing issues.
• File within Maryland’s three-year statute of limitations, which typically starts on the date you discovered the misdiagnosis.
• Document end-of-life pain and suffering caused by the delayed diagnosis.
• Track records of all financial damages, including medical costs, lost wages, and ongoing thyroid medication expenses.
• Contact a Maryland medical malpractice attorney who handles thyroid cancer misdiagnosis cases specifically.

Contact Our Trusted Law Firm for Help With Your Medical Malpractice Case

At The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl, we fight tirelessly for victims of medical malpractice. If you have a failure to diagnose thyroid cancer case, our experienced legal team is prepared to support and guide you throughout the legal process. We are deeply committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the maximum possible compensation for the pain and suffering you and your family have endured.

We have recovered millions in compensation for our clients, and we accept cases on a contingency basis.

Call our law offices to get started: 410-220-5827. There are no upfront costs/no upfront legal fees.