Portland Squamous Cell Carcinoma Lawyer

Suffering harm because a healthcare provider failed to diagnose or treat squamous cell carcinoma properly may entitle you to a medical malpractice claim. These types of failures can lead to unnecessary pain, delayed recovery, and a much higher risk of complications or mortality. At Paulson Coletti, our Portland squamous cell carcinoma lawyer has helped individuals and families through the painful aftermath of a delayed diagnosis. If a provider fails to recognize the signs or act in time, we stand by you, hold them accountable, and help you move forward.

What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a fairly common type of skin cancer that can become aggressive if not treated. It begins in the squamous cells found in the top layer of the skin and is most often linked to long-term exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. According to the Cleveland Clinic, early detection and removal are critical to avoid disfigurement and prevent metastasis to internal organs.

More than a million people in the United States are diagnosed with SCC each year. When found early, it is often treatable. If the cancer is missed or mistaken for something less serious, the consequences can become life-threatening. Understanding what causes SCC and how it manifests is critical for early detection and determining when a healthcare provider has failed to meet the standard of care.

Early Warning Signs and Symptoms

Squamous cell carcinoma often appears on areas frequently exposed to sunlight. However, it can also develop in less visible regions. As detailed by The Skin Cancer Foundation, symptoms include:

• A firm, skin-colored or discolored nodule
• A flat sore with a scaly crust
• A sore or raised area on a pre-existing scar
• A rough patch on the lip or inside the mouth
• Wart-like sores on the anus or genitals

These warning signs can be subtle, especially in individuals with darker skin tones. When these lesions are not identified and addressed promptly, they might progress quickly and invade deeper layers of tissue, emphasizing the importance of clinicians acting immediately with correct diagnosis and effective intervention.

SCC vs. Other Types of Skin Cancer

SCC differs significantly from other skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly and rarely spreads, while melanoma is far more aggressive and deadly. SCC falls in between, as it is more likely to spread than basal cell carcinoma but not as rapidly as melanoma. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential for the best possible outcome.

Dermatologists often use visual inspection, dermoscopy, and biopsy to distinguish between these cancers. Failure to take any of these steps may constitute negligence, especially when symptoms clearly indicate a potential malignancy.

Failure to Diagnose Squamous Cell Carcinoma

When doctors overlook the signs of squamous cell carcinoma, the results can be life-altering. A delayed or missed diagnosis may allow the cancer to reach lymph nodes or distant organs, significantly reducing the chances of recovery.

How Misdiagnosis or Delay Can Occur

Medical errors in diagnosing SCC typically result from:

• Dismissing skin abnormalities as benign
• Failing to perform a biopsy
• Misreading biopsy results
• Delays in referring to a dermatologist or oncologist

Many general practitioners and even some specialists may not have the dermatological expertise required to recognize early-stage SCC. This underscores the importance of timely referrals and diligent patient follow-up.

Common Medical Errors in SCC Cases

A failure to diagnose may be the result of negligence, including:

• Incomplete patient history or exam
• Inadequate follow-up on skin lesion complaints
• Pathology lab errors
• Miscommunication among healthcare providers

Miscommunication between labs and clinics can cause weeks or even months of delay between testing and diagnosis. In cancer cases, every day counts. These delays can turn a treatable problem into a fatal one.

The Dangers of Delayed Treatment

Delays in treating SCC can lead to severe complications, including:

• Tumor invasion into muscle, bone, or other tissues
• Permanent disfigurement requiring reconstructive surgery
• Cancer spreading to lymph nodes or distant organs
• Reduced survival rates

The longer SCC goes untreated, the greater the risk of permanent damage and death. Treatment may require invasive surgery, radiation therapy, or systemic medication, increasing both physical and emotional burden.

Do You Have a Medical Malpractice Case in Oregon?

If you or a loved one experienced a delayed or missed diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in Portland, you may have grounds for a malpractice claim. To establish a claim in Oregon, we must prove:

• A provider-patient relationship existed
• The provider failed to meet the standard of care
• That failure directly caused injury
• You suffered damages as a result

We consult with top medical experts to thoroughly investigate whether your case meets these criteria.

Filing a claim also requires adhering to Oregon’s statute of limitations for medical malpractice, which generally provides two years from the date the injury was discovered. A knowledgeable Portland squamous cell carcinoma lawyer can help ensure all procedural requirements are met and that your case is filed within the legal timeframe.

Compensation for a Squamous Cell Carcinoma Misdiagnosis

Medical malpractice can result in extensive physical, emotional, and financial costs. A delayed SCC diagnosis caused by negligence may entitle you to compensation covering a wide range of damages. These include reimbursement for past and future medical bills related to diagnosis and treatment, compensation for income lost during recovery, and recognition of the pain and emotional trauma you endured. You may also be eligible for damages tied to loss of life’s enjoyment, such as missed milestones, activities, or relationships affected by your condition.

Severe misdiagnoses can lead to wrongful death claims, where eligible family members may pursue damages for a deceased loved one. Calculating damages involves assessing both tangible and intangible losses. We work with economists, life care planners, and medical professionals to ensure every aspect of your suffering is reflected in your claim.

Why Choose Paulson Coletti as Your Portland Cancer Misdiagnosis Attorney

As experienced Portland squamous cell carcinoma lawyers, we understand the complex, deeply personal nature of cancer misdiagnosis cases. Here’s why clients across Oregon turn to us for trusted legal support:

Proven Track Record in Complex Medical Malpractice Litigation

Our firm has a long history of successfully handling intricate medical malpractice claims, particularly those involving delayed cancer diagnoses and serious patient harm.

Deep Resources, Including Access to Top Medical Experts

We collaborate with leading oncologists, dermatologists, and diagnostic specialists who provide insight and credibility in building strong, evidence-backed cases.

Compassionate Representation with a Personalized Approach

Every client’s journey is unique, and we take the time to understand your story, guiding you with empathy, clarity, and open communication throughout the process.

Determined Legal Advocacy to Hold Negligent Providers Accountable

We relentlessly pursue justice and ensure that negligent medical professionals are held legally and financially accountable.

We focus exclusively on serious injury and wrongful death claims, which allows us to dedicate the time and resources each case deserves. Our team is passionate about seeking accountability and restoring dignity to those who have suffered through no fault of their own.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

A misdiagnosis or delay in detecting squamous cell carcinoma can lead to painful treatment, emotional distress, and overwhelming costs. As experienced Portland squamous cell carcinoma lawyers, Paulson Coletti fights for justice on behalf of cancer victims across the region. Call 503-226-6361  for a free and confidential consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

This page has been written, edited, and fact-checked by our team of legal writers in accordance with our editorial guidelines. It has been approved by partners Jane Paulson and John Coletti—respected trial attorneys with decades of experience representing personal injury victims.