News reports abound about patients who had colorectal cancer but were diagnosed with other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or hemorrhoids, often due to similar symptoms. Actor James Van Der Beek recently made the news after he died from colorectal cancer at age 48.
And, what was once thought of as a disease only inflicting older people has become more common in younger people in recent years. Two women diagnosed in their 30s were also victims of missed symptoms. As cases in younger people rise, it’s crucial that people recognize common symptoms of this deadly disease so they have a stronger chance of being able to beat it.
If your healthcare provider misdiagnosed your cancer as IBS or hemorrhoids, causing you to have a delayed diagnosis, you may have the right to file a medical malpractice claim against them. The medical malpractice attorneys at Powers & Santola, LLP can help explain your legal options during a free consultation. Contact us today to get started.
Common Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer causes approximately 53,000 deaths in the United States each year. The most effective way to prevent these deaths is to recognize symptoms of the disease and begin treatment promptly.
Approximately 20% of colorectal cancer cases were discovered in people younger than 55 in 2019. Unfortunately, many of these individuals are diagnosed at later stages of the disease when it is more difficult to treat and cure.
Some of the most common symptoms of colorectal cancer in younger people include the following:
Rectal Bleeding
Rectal bleeding is the most common warning sign for colon cancer in young people. Approximately half of the individuals diagnosed reported blood on their toilet paper or in their toilet bowl.
This is because tumors often develop in the last portion of the colon or rectum in younger people. Because the blood from the tumors has a shorter distance to travel, it appears bright red and is more noticeable than blood that has been in the digestive tract longer and sometimes appears black.
Individuals who are concerned that they may have colon cancer should look out for signs of blood. Younger people can still develop cancer higher in the colon, so even darker blood can indicate colon cancer. Additionally, about half of the individuals ultimately diagnosed with colorectal cancer do not notice any bleeding.
This symptom is sometimes diagnosed for other medical conditions, such as:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal fissures
Because these conditions occur more commonly in younger people than colorectal cancer, they are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as colon cancer, instead of the colon cancer the patient actually has. A medical professional should evaluate any rectal bleeding.
Abdominal Pain or Cramping
Another common warning sign of colorectal cancer is abdominal pain or cramping.
Other medical conditions that may be blamed for abdominal pain or cramping could include the following:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Kidney stones
- Ulcers
- Urinary tract infections
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
Some people may think that their diet is to blame for their frequent abdominal pain or cramping. However, if changes in eating habits don’t lead to symptom improvement, this could indicate a larger problem afoot.
Likewise, if a person has a menstrual cycle, they may chalk their cramping up to cycle-related. Some doctors even readily dismiss this symptom as such. After all, pain related to periods is more common for younger women than colorectal cancer.
Patients should pay attention to any new or different abdominal pain or cramping. Also, if it persists for more than a few days, they should seek medical attention and report this symptom to their healthcare provider. Another indication that it could be a more serious problem is if the pain coincides with mealtime.
Change in Bowel Habits
Tumors in the digestive tract can cause changes in a person’s bowel habits. This could include frequent diarrhea, constipation, or both. Other people notice their feces looking different, such as being more narrow or that they don’t feel empty after using the bathroom.
People with colon cancer may have very thin stools, sometimes described as “pencil thin.” This can happen when a tumor is near the end of the colon or lines the inside of the colon, narrowing the stool that passes through.
Other medical conditions that can lead to changes in a person’s stool include tense pelvic floor muscles, chronic stress, or side effects of certain medications. Again, if the bowel habits are new or different, it may be a cause for concern and worth mentioning to your healthcare provider. Additionally, if this symptom is occurring alongside other symptoms, such as blood in the stool, abdominal pain, or anemia, this could indicate the bigger problem of colon cancer, rather than a condition such as IBS.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexpected weight loss when a person is not actively trying to lose weight could indicate they are unwell. This weight loss could be due to various issues related to colon cancer.
For example, it could be because some people experience appetite for months before their condition is accurately diagnosed due to the hormones that colorectal tumors release. Another potential cause for this is that the gastrointestinal symptoms related to colon cancer – such as diarrhea, stomach pain, or nausea – can make it difficult to eat.
Many factors can precipitate weight loss, such as:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Celiac disease
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
If you have lost ten pounds or five percent of your body weight over a period of six months without trying, you should seek medical attention. Even if the weight shift was not as significant as this one, you may still want to bring it up with your doctor.
However, patients should not rely on this symptom alone to detect cancer. Many patients do not experience it. Some even experience weight gain.
Anemia
Iron is essential in the body for creating red blood cells and supporting energy production, immune response, and cognitive function. Bleeding over time can sometimes lead to anemia, a medical condition that arises when the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells. Approximately one-third of women under 50 have iron deficiency.
Anemia is often attributed to having heavy periods, but if other symptoms are present, it could be an indication of colon cancer.
Signs of anemia include:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Brittle nails
- Sleep disorders
- Cold hands and feet
- Bair loss
- Brittle nails
Fatigue
A common symptom of various forms of cancer, including colorectal cancer, is fatigue. The hormones that are generated from tumors can deplete energy, making those who have cancer feel constantly drained. While many people may feel tired, the fatigue that coincides with cancer is more extreme. Mention this to your healthcare provider, along with any of the other symptoms you experience.
Why Colorectal Cancer Is Sometimes Misdiagnosed as IBS, Hemorrhoids, or Other Medical Conditions
Surveys show that younger people with colorectal cancer are often initially misdiagnosed with other medical conditions, such as IBS or hemorrhoids. One study reports that 82% of young colon cancer patients were initially misdiagnosed. These diagnostic mistakes can occur for many reasons.
The first is that healthcare providers may initially look for the most common and likely cause of the patient’s symptoms. For example, if a patient reports feeling tired, the doctor may think the patient has been working a lot lately, is under stress, or is sleep-deprived because they are a new parent. Blood in the stool may be due to hemorrhoids.
Many of the common symptoms associated with colorectal cancer are also common in people with IBS, such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or changes in bowel habits. These similarities can lead to people – especially younger people – initially being diagnosed with a condition such as IBS. Abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation are also symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
Even though colorectal cancer in younger patients is not as common, it is still possible. Therefore, doctors need to be thorough in their evaluations and not dismiss symptoms as less serious solely because of age.
The Danger of a Delayed Diagnosis of Cancer
When cancer is not spotted early and allowed to spread, it can potentially become fatal. The five-year survival odds for cancer vary drastically, based on how far the cancer has spread. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer is the following, based on its progression:
- Localized: 91%
- Regional: 74%
- Distant: 13%
Even when the cancer is not fatal, a delayed diagnosis could mean that more aggressive treatment is necessary, including removing a portion of the colon. This can drastically decrease a person’s quality of life.
When You Should Push for a Better Diagnosis
People naturally want to believe that they don’t have a life-threatening medical condition, such as cancer. However, early detection is key to successfully treating this deadly disease. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed above and don’t believe your doctor’s initial diagnosis is accurate, you can request an additional evaluation.
Most people in the United States are advised to schedule their first colon cancer screening at age 45. However, if you are experiencing symptoms or have a family history of colon cancer, you may be eligible sooner. The primary evaluation method for colon cancer is a colonoscopy.
During a colonoscopy, the patient is sedated or placed under general anesthesia. At the same time, a thin tube with a camera is inserted into their rectum and colon to check for polyps, which can later become cancerous. If polyps are detected, they may be removed at this time, thereby preventing cancer from ever forming.
Legal Options for Pursuing Justice and Compensation Following a Misdiagnosis
If your healthcare provider dismissed your symptoms, diagnosed you with another condition, or failed to listen to your concerns following unsuccessful treatment, you could have the right to file a medical malpractice claim against them. With this type of legal action, you usually assert your claim to the negligent healthcare provider’s medical malpractice insurance company. You may be able to negotiate a favorable settlement with the help of an experienced medical malpractice attorney.
If the insurance company denies your claim or fails to make a fair settlement offer, your attorney may file a medical malpractice lawsuit.
In these types of legal claims, you can demand compensation for your economic and non-economic damages, including the following:
- Additional medical bills you incurred due to the delayed diagnosis
- Ongoing medical treatment, including more aggressive forms of treatment
- Future medical expenses you can reasonably anticipate
- Lost wages while you are recovering
- Reduced earning capacity if you are unable to work or if you need to change jobs due to your condition
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
An experienced medical malpractice attorney from our law firm can carefully evaluate your case and determine all of the damages you or your loved one is entitled to.
Contact Our Dedicated Medical Malpractice Attorneys for Legal Assistance and Representation
At Powers & Santola, LLP, we have been fighting to protect the rights of the injured for over four decades. We have successfully recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients and have been recognized repeatedly by local, state, and national organizations, including as Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms in America. We bring our wealth of experience, personal attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to every case.
If your colorectal cancer was misdiagnosed as IBS, hemorrhoids, or another medical condition in Central New York, an experienced attorney from Powers & Santola, LLP can review your situation, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
