Screening and Treatment Guidelines for Skin Cancer

Skin cancer, the most common type of cancer, typically responds well to treatment. It can be life-threatening, though, if not detected and treated promptly. The screening and treatment guidelines for skin cancer are well-established, but it is not uncommon for healthcare providers to fail to follow such recommendations, and their patients often suffer harm as a result. If you suspect that you or a loved one sustained injuries due to a doctor’s refusal to abide by screening and treatment guidelines for skin cancer, you may be owed damages, and it is smart to consult an attorney regarding your potential claims. The experienced Syracuse medical malpractice lawyers at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano LLP Cancer Lawyers dedicate their practice to helping people harmed by negligent medical care in the pursuit of justice, and if you engage our services, we will aggressively pursue the maximum compensation available.

Skin cancer is categorized into various types, the most common being basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Early detection is vital for successful treatment, particularly for melanoma, which is the most aggressive form. Screening for skin cancer typically involves regular skin examinations, especially for individuals with risk factors such as fair skin, a history of sunburns, excessive UV exposure, or a family history of skin cancer. Dermatologists and other healthcare providers are expected to follow established guidelines, which recommend routine skin checks and biopsies of suspicious lesions.

Treatment guidelines for skin cancer vary depending on the type and stage of cancer. Options may include surgical excision, Mohs surgery, cryotherapy, radiation therapy, and, for more advanced cases, immunotherapy or targeted therapy. The treatment plan should be tailored to the individual’s specific needs, taking into account factors like the location and size of the malignancy and the patient's overall health.

When Skin Cancer is Not Diagnosed and Treated in a Prompt Manner, it Can Metastasize, Which Reduces the Probability of Treatments Working and Increases the Likelihood of Poor Outcomes. It is Critical, Therefore, That Doctors Adhere to Screening and Treatment Guidelines for Skin Cancer, and if They Fail to Do So and Ultimately Cause Their Patients Harm, They May Be Liable for Medical Malpractice.

In Most Cases, a Plaintiff in a Medical Malpractice Case Must Establish the Defendant’s Negligence. In New York, Proving Negligence Requires the Plaintiff to Show That the Defendant Owed Them a Duty, That the Defendant Breached the Duty Owed, and That in Doing So, Directly Caused the Plaintiff to Sustain Quantifiable Harm.

Generally, the Duty a Doctor Owes a Patient is to Provide Treatment That Aligns With What is Considered the Good and Accepted Practice of Medicine. Any Act or Omission That Deviates From This Standard of Care Likely Constitutes a Breach.

In the Majority of Cases, the Plaintiff Will Need to Hire a Medical Expert to Explain the Standard of Care and How the Defendant Neglected to Uphold it. Expert Testimony is Usually Also Required to Show Causation and Damages.

If a plaintiff successfully demonstrates a defendant’s negligence, they may be awarded compensation for their financial harm, which includes medical costs, out-of-pocket expenses, and lost wages, and intangible losses, which include mental anguish, pain, and suffering.

Skin cancer screening and treatment guidelines increase the likelihood of early detection and effective treatment. As such, when doctors neglect to follow the guidelines, diagnoses are often delayed, and patients have fewer treatment options. If you or someone you love were injured by a doctor’s failure to abide by screening and treatment guidelines for skin cancer, you have the right to seek compensation, and you should consult an attorney. The skilled Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano LLP Cancer Lawyers have the experience and resources necessary to help victims of medical negligence pursue damages, and if you engage our services, we will work tirelessly on your behalf. Our firm represents clients in Syracuse, where our primary office is located, as well as in Rochester and other cities throughout Upstate New York. To arrange a free and confidential consultation, you can contact us through our online form or by calling 833-200-2000.