Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is often referred to as a “silent killer” because its symptoms can be vague, subtle, and easily misinterpreted. Despite being one of the most lethal gynecologic cancers, it is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed in its early stages. For this reason, awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer is crucial, not just for patients but also for the healthcare providers responsible for recognizing them. When doctors fail to identify or respond appropriately to these warning signs, the delay can lead to devastating consequences, including the spread of cancer beyond the ovaries and a significant decrease in survival rates. If you sustained losses due to errors in the diagnosis or treatment of ovarian cancer, you have the right to pursue claims against those responsible for your harm, and you should talk to an attorney. The skilled Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano, LLP Cancer Lawyers dedicate their practice to holding negligent providers accountable for failures in cancer detection and care, and if you engage our services, we will zealously pursue the best legal result possible in your case. Our attorneys advocate for clients throughout Syracuse, Rochester, and across Upstate New York.

The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer can be difficult to recognize, especially in the early stages of the disease. They often resemble benign gastrointestinal or urinary issues and may include abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, trouble eating or feeling full quickly, and changes in urinary frequency or urgency. Other signs may include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, menstrual irregularities, or gastrointestinal discomfort such as constipation. These symptoms are frequently attributed to less serious conditions, particularly in premenopausal women, and may not initially raise suspicion of cancer.

When healthcare providers fail to recognize the pattern or persistence of these symptoms, the result can be a missed opportunity to detect ovarian cancer while it is still confined to the ovaries. Early-stage ovarian cancer is often treatable and associated with significantly higher survival rates. However, when diagnosis is delayed, the cancer may spread to the abdomen, lymph nodes, or other organs, making treatment more complex and less effective. Women may then face aggressive surgery, extensive chemotherapy, and a drastically reduced prognosis.

The failure to act on the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer not only limits treatment options but also inflicts profound emotional, physical, and financial burdens on patients and their families. As a result, many individuals harmed by such oversights will seek compensation for their losses through medical malpractice claims. In most cases, these claims require a showing of negligence. In New York, negligence is comprised of four components, and a plaintiff must prove each one to recover damages. The first component, duty, refers to the obligation imposed on doctors to provide care that meets the accepted standards of the medical community. The second component, breach, arises when the defendant fails to meet these standards.

The third and fourth components, causation and breach, require the plaintiff to show that the defendant’s acts or omissions directly caused the plaintiff to suffer actual harm. In most cases, expert medical testimony is required to establish both the breach of the standard of care and the causal connection to the patient’s injury.

The damages available in these cases may include a wide range of economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages encompass medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and the cost of future care, including ongoing chemotherapy, palliative care, or fertility treatment. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life. In particularly tragic cases involving wrongful death, surviving family members may also be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and future financial support.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer can mean the difference between life and death. When doctors fail to take those symptoms seriously, the consequences can be irreversible. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer and you believe that an earlier diagnosis could have changed the outcome, it is important to understand your legal rights, and you should talk to an attorney. The capable medical malpractice attorneys of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano, LLP Cancer Lawyers, possess the skills and resources needed to navigate the complexities of cancer malpractice cases, and if we represent you, we will advocate aggressively on your behalf. Our office is in Syracuse and we serve clients in Syracuse, Rochester, and throughout Upstate New York. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, call us at 833-200-2000 or contact us online.