When does pancreatic cancer become a medical negligence claim?

If pancreatic cancer is treated in time, the chances of recovery are good. However, if there are substantial delays the cancer may spread and can become life threatening.

If a medical professional fails to treat you correctly, which causes significant delays, and the cancer grows or spreads, you may be entitled to claim pancreatic cancer compensation due to medical negligence.

How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed and treated?

If your GP suspects you have pancreatic cancer, they will usually refer you to a specialists and have tests carried out to investigate further. Tests would usually include an ultrasound scan, a CT, scan an MRI scan or a PET-CT scan.

Depending on the results of the scan, you may be asked to undertake further tests, including a biopsy. If cancer is discovered, it can be treated with chemotherapy and / or radiotherapy. Surgery may also be advised.

For more information about pancreatic cancer, the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment, visit the NHS website.

What are the most common causes of delays?

In the majority, medical professionals provide patients with a high standard of care. However, there are occasions when mistakes do happen which cause delays which can be life-threatening. The most common causes of delays are:

• Failure to recognise symptoms, such as pain, weight loss, jaundice and fever
• Failure to carry out adequate examinations or tests
• Failure to advise a patient to return if their symptoms persist or worsen
• Mistakes by pathologists who examine the tissue under a microscope
• Mistakes by radiologists who interpret x-rays and scans

If you believe negligent delays caused your cancer to get worse, please contact one of our experts for advice on making a No Win No Fee pancreatic cancer compensation claim.

Make a pancreatic cancer claim

Our medical negligence team are one of the best in the country and are highly ranked in independent legal guides, Chambers and Partners and Legal 500.

The team are highly experienced in dealing with negligent pancreatic cancer claims can provide you with the best possible service, not only ensuring that you get the best outcome to your case, but can ensure you get the treatment and additional support you need to assist with your recovery.

Visit our medical negligence FAQs or our medical negligence claims guide for further information on how to make a pancreatic cancer claim.

Contact us for a free consultation to help you understand whether or not you have a pancreatic cancer claim or call 0330 041 5869.

Can I change my solicitors to Slater and Gordon?

If you or a family member have been seriously impacted by medical negligence, and you feel that you're not getting the specialist legal advice you need from your current solicitor, we'll be happy to discuss switching your case to Slater and Gordon. Simply call our experts on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.