Lessons from Ovarian Cancer Misdiagnoses
Ovarian cancer is notoriously difficult to diagnose, and misdiagnosis can lead to dangerous delays in treatment. A recent Healthline article highlighted three stories of misdiagnosis, each with valuable lessons for patients and healthcare providers alike.
In 2024, nearly 20,000 new cases of ovarian cancer were diagnosed in the U.S., according to the article. One of the challenges is that early-stage ovarian cancer often presents no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do emerge, they mimic less serious conditions such as menstrual cramps, urinary tract infections, or uterine fibroids.
Case Studies: Misdiagnosis in Action
- Case 1: Misdiagnosed as Diverticulitis
A 67-year-old woman experienced abdominal pain and bloating, which she assumed were related to her history of diverticulitis. Her symptoms this time were milder but included shock-like sensations and resistance to dietary changes. Initially diagnosed with diverticulitis, she was prescribed treatment that showed no improvement after three days. Further testing revealed a pelvic tumor, and she was eventually diagnosed with ovarian cancer. - Case 2: Misdiagnosed as IBS
A 27-year-old woman, aware of a BRCA1 mutation, reported severe stomach cramping, bloating, and feeling full quickly after eating. Constipation and pelvic pain further complicated her condition. Initially dismissed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), her symptoms persisted until an emergency room CT scan revealed indicators of ovarian cancer. - Case 3: Misdiagnosed as Ovarian Cancer
A 62-year-old woman presented with shortness of breath, vaginal discharge, and fluid buildup in her abdominal wall. Elevated CA-125 levels—a potential ovarian cancer marker—initially led doctors to suspect ovarian cancer. However, a laparoscopy revealed an abscess and pelvic inflammatory disease. Her condition resolved after antibiotic treatment.
Protecting Yourself: Recognize the Risk Factors
Early detection can significantly improve outcomes. Understanding your risk is key. Risk factors include:
- A personal or family history of breast, ovarian, endometrial, or colorectal cancer
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- Older age
- Never having had children
Be vigilant about symptoms such as persistent abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, feeling full quickly, fatigue, or unusual vaginal discharge. Seek medical attention if these symptoms continue or feel abnormal for you. Blood tests can help identify gene mutations linked to ovarian cancer and measure CA-125 levels. While not definitive, these tools can aid in early detection when combined with imaging or other diagnostic methods.
Misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses are inconvenient at best but can be harmful or even deadly. If you suspect that you or a loved one is a victim of misdiagnosis at a hospital or doctor’s office, contact a top Philadelphia attorney for misdiagnosis cases. In the last few years, almost every teaching hospital in the city of Philadelphia has paid 8-figure verdicts and settlements to clients of Tom Duffy.