Testicular cancer is highly treatable and the prognosis for those diagnosed with the condition is often very positive. However, if you’ve suffered a delay in diagnosis and treatment, a misdiagnosis or negligent treatment, the impact can be severe. Speak to our legal experts today.
Can I make a claim for a delay in diagnosing and treating testicular cancer, or for testicular cancer misdiagnosis?
Testicular cancer is quite common in the UK and is most commonly found in men aged between 15 and 49. Fortunately, it is very treatable when caught early, which means that the prognosis is often very positive, and most people can expect to make a full recovery.
However, as with many other cancers, the longer it is left untreated, the worse the condition becomes. It is therefore crucial that testicular cancer is caught early to ensure the best possible outcome. Unfortunately, mistakes made by medical professionals, such as misdiagnosis or a delay in diagnosis, can result in testicular cancer spreading to other parts of the body, causing further harm and suffering and, at its worse, can prove fatal. When this happens, you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
How should testicular cancer be diagnosed and treated?
It is important that a person with testicles is aware of the symptoms of testicular cancer and reports any cause of worry to their doctor as soon as possible. Most symptoms will only affect one testicle, though it is possible to experience symptoms with both. Early symptoms of testicular cancer include:
A lump or swelling in your testicle
Aches or pains in your testicle or scrotum
A heavy, firm or hard feeling in your scrotum
Lower back or stomach pain
An unexpected or unintended loss of weight
Coughing
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
A sore or swollen chest
Your GP should conduct a thorough examination if you report any symptoms concerning your testicles and may then refer you for further tests. This could include a blood test or an ultrasound. Doctors will usually be able to confirm whether you have testicular cancer based on the results of these tests, though further examinations will usually be required to understand the size of the cancer and whether it has spread.
The main treatment for testicular cancer involves surgery to remove the testicle affected. It is sometimes possible to have only part of the testicle removed, though this is quite rare as it is often safer to remove the whole testicle. This surgery is known as an orchidectomy and should not have any impact on your sex life or ability to have children.
What constitutes a delay in diagnosis of testicular cancer?
Many men who are treated for testicular cancer experience a full recovery, and a large majority will not experience a recurrence. However, the success of treatment is heavily dependent upon catching the cancer early, and while most people will receive the highest standard of care, mistakes can be made.
Mistakes that can cause a delay in diagnosing and treating testicular cancer can include (but are not limited to):
Not taking the patient seriously enough when symptoms are first reported, leading to a delay in testing and diagnosis.
A failure to carry out a thorough investigation, meaning symptoms are missed.
A failure to refer the patient to a specialist for further testing.
Incorrectly interpreting the results of a test.
Diagnosing a different condition and treating that condition rather than the testicular cancer.
Medical negligence can occur in a number of different ways, and while the list above provides some of the most common examples, there are other mistakes that can lead to a delay in diagnosis or misdiagnosed testicular cancer.
Whatever the circumstances, if you believe mistakes made by medical professionals have caused you or a loved one further harm and suffering, you may be entitled to make a claim for the delay in diagnosing testicular cancer.
What you need to know about bringing a medical negligence claim
Medical negligence specialist, Ian Cohen, explains what a clinical negligence claim involves and how a lawyer can help when a hospital is found at fault for injuries sustained whilst in care.
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How do I make a testicular cancer claim?
Learning that your cancer has spread or been allowed to worsen due to mistakes made by the very medical professionals you trusted with your care can be incredibly traumatic. We understand that in such circumstances, making a claim for compensation can be the last thing on your mind, and thinking about going through the legal process can be daunting.
Our expert medical negligence solicitors are here to ensure your claim is as stress-free and efficient as possible. We’ll start by sitting down to discuss with you the full details of your case, and let you know immediately if we think you have a claim.
If so, the next step will be to explain the process clearly. We can provide support in collecting all the necessary evidence and information to submit your claim and will work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome, allowing you to focus on your treatment and recovery.
When you are ready to start your testicular cancer claim, speak to a member of our team on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online and we’ll get in touch at a time that suits you.
How do I prove my testicular cancer claim?
To pursue a testicular cancer claim successfully, we will need to be able to prove that the care you received was substandard, and that as a result of this, you have suffered avoidable harm. Collecting the evidence to support this can be difficult, but our expert medical negligence solicitors have many years’ experience in handling cancer claims and will gather the evidence required. This will include information such as:
Medical records
Any independent medical review that details the impact the negligence has had on your condition.
Any relevant witness statements (these could be from people who attended appointments with you, or witnessed the events that led to your claim)
Records of any financial losses suffered as a result of your condition.
Why should I choose Slater and Gordon?
Our cancer negligence team are one of the best in the country and are highly ranked in independent legal guides such as Chambers and Partners and Legal 500.
The team are highly experienced in dealing with testicular cancer claims and can provide you with the best possible service, not only ensuring that you get the best outcome to your case, but that you get the treatment and additional support you need to assist with your recovery. We’re committed to providing the best support from day one, which is why we also offer home and hospital visits to allow us to provide immediate representation and rehabilitation support; allowing you to focus on recovery while we handle your claim.
I cannot recommend Slater and Gordon enough, throughout the entire period of the case, all the staff have been both very professional, and supportive.
Mr Q (medical negligence client)
Kept informed regularly as to how my claim was going, prompt replies to any questions I had, excellent customer service at all times. Excellent service from all staff that have been involved in my claim.
Ms S (medical negligence client)
I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything Slater and Gordon have done to fight this case for us. I appreciate it has involved a lot of people. Please can you also thank the expert witnesses who have provided their expertise and help.
Mr and Mrs H (medical negligence client)
How long do I have to start a testicular cancer claim?
As a general rule, you have three years, from the date you first became aware that the treatment you received was negligent, to make a claim. However, there are exceptions to this rule, so it is strongly advised that you speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor as soon as possible, as they will be able to advise you of any relevant deadlines in your case.
How much compensation could I receive for a delay in diagnosis of testicular cancer?
It can be difficult to determine how much your claim could be worth without first discussing the details of your case. Generally speaking, the amount of compensation will be dependent upon how significant the delays in your treatment were, the level of impact any incorrect treatment has had, or how severely your prognosis has been altered by the negligent treatment you received.
To discuss your personal circumstances in more detail, you can reach out to a member of our team for a confidential, no-obligation conversation today either online or by calling 0330 041 5869.
Can I make a no win no fee testicular cancer claim?
Yes. The vast majority of our medical negligence cases are funded by way of a conditional agreement, also known as No Win No Fee. A no win no fee agreement can ensure there is no cost to pursuing your claim and, in the event that you lose the case, there are no fees for you to pay at the conclusion of your claim, minimising any financial risk to you.
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.
I cannot recommend Slater and Gordon enough, throughout the entire period of the case, all the staff have been both very professional, and supportive. Mr Q (medical negligence client)
Kept informed regularly as to how my claim was going, prompt replies to any questions I had, excellent customer service at all times. Excellent service from all staff that have been involved in my claim. Ms S (medical negligence client)
I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything Slater and Gordon have done to fight this case for us. I appreciate it has involved a lot of people. Please can you also thank the expert witnesses who have provided their expertise and help. Mr and Mrs H (medical negligence client)