Oncology Malpractice

An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in the study, diagnosis and treatment of cancerous tumors.  Most oncologists specialize either in the type or location of cancer they treat, or in the age of the patient.  Oncology subspecialties include:

• pediatric oncology;
• gynecological oncology;
• medical oncology;
• radiation oncology; and
• surgical oncology.
  

There are approximately 3,500 active oncologists in the United States.  After medical school, each must complete a 2 to 3 year residency in internal medicine followed by a 1 to 2 year residency or fellowship in oncology.  According to a recent report prepared by the American Medical Group Association, the median salary for the specialty is just over $315,000.00 per year. 

Oncologists are called upon by patients to perform various aspects of cancer care, including locating cancer within the body and forming a plan of care to shrink or remove the cancer, if possible.  Diagnosis and treatment modalities available to oncologists include patient history, physical examination, biopsy, diagnostic studies, chemotherapy, radiation, radio-ablation and surgery.  Where an oncologist fails to order the appropriate test (such as a CT or PET scan) or fails to properly interpret a study ordered (such as CEA values), or otherwise fails to diagnose or treat cancer appropriately, he or she may be liable for medical malpractice. 

The most common oncology errors include:

• chemotherapy drug errors;
  
• failure to diagnose cancer;
• misdiagnosis of cancer;
• failure to perform comprehensive cancer surgery; and
  
• failure to obtain clean margins.
  

The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict medical malpractice cases due to or arising out of oncology malpractice.  If you or a loved one have/had cancer that was not treated properly, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. 

To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Central New York medical malpractice and birth injury attorney, contact us now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.