Key Takeaways
- A HER2+ misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatment or a dangerous delay in care for a breast cancer that tends to be more aggressive.
- HER2+ breast cancer tests positive for a protein that promotes cancer cell growth, and HER2 is present in approximately 20% of diagnosed breast cancers.
- Doctors may use IHC, FISH, or Inform Dual ISH tests to identify HER2+ cancer, ordering another test if results are unclear.
- In Salem, a missed HER2+ diagnosis can lead to unnecessary surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, delayed treatment that lets cancer spread, and wrongful death.
- Liable parties may include doctors or surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, the medical facility, and pathology labs involved in the diagnosis.
In this article
- Why Choose Our Salem HER2+ Misdiagnosis Attorney?
- What is HER-Positive (HER2+) Breast Cancer?
- Symptoms of HER2+ Breast Cancer
- How is HER2+ Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
- Consequences of a HER2+ Misdiagnosis in Salem
- Who Can be Liable for a HER2+ Misdiagnosis in Salem?
- Contact Our Salem HER2+ Misdiagnosis Lawyer Today
Millions of breast biopsies are performed each year across this country to determine whether or not a person has breast cancer. Biopsies are considered the most accurate way to get a definitive breast cancer diagnosis. However, in the event a pathology lab or other medical professional mistakenly determines that there is cancer when there really is not or fails to diagnose cancer that is present, a patient can be subjected to serious unnecessary medical treatments or a dangerous delay in needed care.
Let us help fight for your Medical Malpractice Claim
At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, we are here if you need a Salem HER2+ misdiagnosis lawyer by your side. Our team has the resources and experience necessary to handle complex Salem medical malpractice claims on your behalf.
Why Choose Our Salem HER2+ Misdiagnosis Attorney?
- At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, we firmly believe in standing up for individuals harmed due to the negligent actions of medical providers in Salem and throughout the state of Oregon.
- Our team has a strong track record of success when it comes to recovering major settlements and jury verdicts on behalf of clients throughout our area.
- We handle breast cancer misdiagnosis claims on a contingency fee basis, which means clients will never have to worry about legal fees until after we successfully recover compensation for their losses.
“At Paulson Coletti, ‘liberty and justice for all’ is more than just a phrase – it is our mandate. Our team of trial lawyers is driven to pursue justice for the injured, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable. Whether your case settles or goes to trial, you can trust our Oregon personal injury lawyers to be the legal advocates you need so your voice can be heard.”
What is HER-Positive (HER2+) Breast Cancer?
HER-Positive or HER2+ is a specific type of breast cancer. This is a breast cancer that tests positive for a protein named “human epidural growth factor receptor 2.” This protein, unfortunately, promotes the growth of cancer cells.
According to information available from the Mayo Clinic, cancer cells have extra copies of the gene that makes the HER2 protein in approximately one out of every five breast cancer diagnoses. HER2+ breast cancer diagnosis tends to be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer.
Because of the aggressiveness of this type of breast cancer, it is imperative for people who are actually diagnosed to receive prompt and adequate medical treatment. There are specific treatments available to target the HER2 protein that are effective, and the prognosis for individuals diagnosed with this type of breast cancer is usually good.
Symptoms of HER2+ Breast Cancer
The symptoms of HER2+ breast cancer manifest similarly to other types of breast cancer. Generally, the most common sign that a person may have breast cancer involves feeling a lump in the breast that feels different from other areas around it. Other common symptoms of HER2+ include the following:
- Swelling in the breast area
- Change in the shape of the breast
- Dimpling or skin irritation
- Pain around the nipple or overall breast
- Thickness or redness of the breast skin or nipple
- Discharge from the nipple that is not breast milk
Individuals who begin to experience any of these symptoms should seek prompt medical treatment from their primary care physician, who will likely refer them to a cancer specialist. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more effective any potential treatments will likely be.
“Most cases settle, but each of our cases is prepared as if it’s going to trial. The insurance companies know it and so do the defense lawyers defending them. That’s why we get such great results for our clients.”
How is HER2+ Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
If individuals receive a breast cancer diagnosis, doctors generally take the steps to figure out if the breast cancer is HER2+. Above, we mentioned that the HER2 protein is present in approximately 20% of all breast cancers that get diagnosed, and determining whether or not these specific proteins are present involves one or more of the following tests:
- The IHC test. This uses specific antibodies that identify the HER2 protein in a sample of breast cancer tissue.
- The FISH test. This test uses fluorescent pieces of DNA designed to stick to the HER2 protein inside of the cell, and this can then be counted under a microscope.
- The Inform Dual ISH test. This type of test stains the HER2 gene’s color inside of a tissue sample so that they can be counted under a microscope.
If the test results from a single test are not clear, the doctor may order one of the other tests available.
Consequences of a HER2+ Misdiagnosis in Salem
A misdiagnosis of any type of medical condition can lead to significant harm, but this is particularly true for cancers if it means an individual will undergo treatment that they do not necessarily need. With a missed diagnosis of HER2+, patience could undergo the following negative consequences:
- Unnecessary surgeries, including lumpectomy or a mastectomy
- Delayed treatment that allows the cancer to progress or metastasize
- Unnecessary chemotherapy or radiation and their related side effects
- A need for reconstructive surgery or rehabilitation
- Unnecessary medical bills
- Lost wages if the treatment and procedures keep a patient from working
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering damages
- Loss of quality of life damages
- Wrongful death
Any individual who has received a breast cancer misdiagnosis can experience significant emotional and financial hardships, and they deserve compensation if the misdiagnosis was caused by the negligent actions of a medical provider.
Who Can be Liable for a HER2+ Misdiagnosis in Salem?
When an individual receives a misdiagnosis that leads to unnecessary treatment or an unacceptable delay in care, there may be various parties that can be held responsible. This can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Doctors or surgeons involved with the case
- Radiologists responsible for reading test results
- Oncologists who specialize in cancer detection and treatment
- The medical facility where the misdiagnosis occurred
- Pathology labs responsible for helping with the diagnosis
If you have any questions about who could be held responsible for your particular HER2+ breast cancer misdiagnosis, we encourage you to reach out to an attorney so they can conduct an investigation into all possible liable parties.
Contact Our Salem HER2+ Misdiagnosis Lawyer Today
If you or somebody you love has been misdiagnosed with HER2+, we encourage you to reach out to a skilled attorney as soon as possible. These types of medical malpractice claims can be incredibly challenging, particularly for individuals without any legal experience. At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, we are here to offer a free consultation of your case, so please reach out through our website or call our office today.