What To Expect When A Florida Physician Suspects Brain Tumor

The very idea of a brain tumor can instill horror and anxiety when you consider the potential outcomes, but recent data regarding this medical condition may alleviate some fears. Though the National Brain Tumor Society reports that an estimated 700,000 people in the US are currently living with a brain tumor, the average survival rate for patients is 75.2 percent. It is true that survival rates vary by the type of cancer, the person’s age, and general physical condition. However, one constant remains: A prompt diagnosis is the first step to extending the survival rate.

As a result, physicians must be diligent in assessing a patient who presents with certain symptoms or bears risk factors that increase the potential for development of a brain tumor. Carelessness with a diagnosis can have devastating implications, so it is reassuring to know that you can rely on a Miami failure to diagnose cancer attorney for help. You can get a better idea of a health care provider’s legal duty in this area by knowing what your doctor should do when a brain tumor is suspected.

Common Symptoms That May Indicate Brain Tumor Issues

While it is up to your doctor to diagnose a medical condition, it is your responsibility as a patient to communicate any unusual symptoms. Some of the earliest signs of a brain tumor include:

• Loss of movement on one side of the body;
• Limited range of motion in an arm or leg;
• Unexplained seizures;
• Issues with vision, including vision loss, double vision, and difficulties with peripheral vision;
• Nausea with or without vomiting;
• Memory loss, disorientation, and dizziness;
• Total or partial loss of hearing;
• Changes in reproductive cycle or fertility issues;
• Stroke; and
• Changes in behavior, such as angry outbursts, mood swings, becoming withdrawn, or other unusual conduct. 

How Florida Health Care Providers Diagnose Brain Tumor

Many of the signs of a brain tumor can also indicate a different medical condition. For this reason, it is important that your physician consider a differential diagnosis and conduct a full examination to explore all potential causes of your symptoms. This is the process by which a health care provider distinguishes between the different ailments behind the patient’s symptoms. If a brain tumor is suspected, a physician may order:

• Neurological Tests: These exams evaluate your alertness, physical response to stimuli, and nervous system health. When a part of the brain is impacted by a tumor, a doctor notes unusual responses to these tests.
• Brain Scan: This diagnostic approach applies imaging technology, such as MRI, CT scan, and PET scan to assess issues in the brain. Abnormalities are highlighted, so the physician can better evaluate the condition of the brain.
• Biopsy: Accessing cancerous tissue in the brain is extremely difficult, but a doctor may order a biopsy to finalize a diagnosis after other testing indicates a high potential for a tumor.

Discuss Your Options with Our Florida Cancer Misdiagnosis Lawyers

If you have concerns about a failure to diagnose a brain tumor, our team at Freidin Brown, P.A. can explain potential legal remedies and the process for recovering compensation. Please contact our offices in Miami or Fort Myers today to set up your free consultation.

Resource:

braintumor.org/brain-tumor-information/brain-tumor-facts/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw24qHBhCnARIsAPbdtlKwHs7Pb1LOujnDVmt8dizqa14DITl00RXRIFVP7vJF22u0Q8UgWI8aAtu1EALw_wcB