Cervical cancer is an abnormal change in cells in the cervix which is the neck of the womb.  The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a very common virus amongst the population which can affect the genitals and, in cases of women, the cervix. The great majority of cervical cancers develop from a pre-malignant cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). This is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which most women will carry after exposure in their teens or early 20s. Some of these HPV strains causes changes in the cervix cells which over time can advance to cervical cancer. If not detected and treated successfully then CIN will progress to invasive cancer over an 8-12 year period of time on average i.e. about 10 years. Approximately 300 women in Ireland are diagnosed annually with cervical cancer.  Often there are no symptoms in the early stages and as time goes on abnormal bleeding is usually the first sign.  Other reported symptoms include constant tiredness, unexplained weight loss and leg pain and swelling.  Some women have also reported back pain.  There are various tests and procedures carried out to diagnose cervical cancer and these can include:

• Pelvic examination – where the doctor will check the patient’s cervix, uterus and nearby organs
• PAP test – where the doctor conducts an internal examination taking samples of cells for testing
• Colposcopy – where a doctor will look at the cervix using an instrument called a colposcope which magnifies the cells of the cervix
• HPV test – similar to a PAP test above, the doctor will take a sample of cells from the cervix for examination
• Biopsy – the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination and is regarded as a more definite diagnosis
• X-ray, CT, MRI and PET scans – these can be deployed to detect cervical cancer

A delay or misdiagnosis in cervical cancer can have very serious consequences, particularly if the cancer has progressed to a more advanced stage.  Cervical cancer misdiagnosis claims may be brought for failure to examine the patient properly, failing to refer the patient to an appropriate specialist and error in reading smear tests.

If you or a loved one have suffered harm because of negligent delay or misdiagnosis of cervical cancer, then you may be able to make a claim for compensation. It is important you seek advice as soon as possible to protect your legal rights. We believe in putting you our client first and we are committed to achieving the best result possible while all the time remaining sensitive to your needs. Please feel free to reach out to us below and will be pleased to discuss your case and offer no obligation advice.

To contact one of our cervical cancer misdiagnosis claims solicitors please call 0818 888 555 or WhatsApp/call 087 398 7386 or complete our online enquiry form