Legal Help for HER2 Misdiagnosis in North Carolina
Have you recently been told that you were given chemotherapy for the wrong HER2 status?
If you’re grappling with the unsettling realization that you may have been diagnosed with HER2 Positive Breast Cancer when you’re actually HER2 negative, you’re not alone. These misdiagnoses can have profound implications, potentially subjecting you to inappropriate treatments and unnecessary risks. At Ward Black Law, we understand the complexities of such misdiagnoses, and we’re here to help. Reach out to us for a confidential case review at no cost to you, especially if you are from the Winston Salem or High Point areas. We are here to support our community with dedicated legal expertise.
Facing a breast cancer diagnosis is a life-altering experience, shrouded in uncertainty and fear, not just for the individual but for their entire support network. It’s estimated that around 20% of diagnosed women fall into the category of HER2-positive breast cancer. The HER2 protein, or human epidermal growth factor 2, typically regulates cell growth, but genetic mutations can spur abnormal and rapid proliferation. Unfortunately, some patients in North Carolina have recently found themselves in the unfortunate situation of being misdiagnosed and consequently treated as HER2-positive when they’re actually HER2-negative.
Consequences of HER2 Misdiagnosis
Inappropriate Treatment: HER2-positive breast cancer often necessitates targeted therapies such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) and pertuzumab (Perjeta), alongside conventional chemotherapy. However, misdiagnosing a patient as HER2-positive when they’re actually HER2-negative can lead to unnecessary side effects without commensurate therapeutic benefits. This can include an elevated risk of cardiac toxicity associated with HER2-targeted therapies. In reality, if the cancer is indeed HER2-negative, alternative treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or other targeted therapies might be warranted.
Delayed or Missed Treatment: Misdiagnosis can result in patients being deprived of potentially beneficial treatments that are standard for HER2-negative breast cancer, such as hormone therapy for hormone receptor-positive disease. Delayed or inadequate treatment can significantly impact outcomes, particularly when cancer has metastasized to other regions of the body.
Disease Progression: Without appropriate treatment for HER2-negative breast cancer, there’s a heightened risk of disease progression and metastasis, including to the vertebrae, which can exacerbate symptoms, diminish quality of life, and curtail survival prospects.
Pain and Complications: Metastatic breast cancer involving the vertebrae can induce substantial pain and complications, including spinal cord compression, nerve damage, and mobility impairments. Inadequate treatment exacerbates these issues, impeding functionality and diminishing quality of life.
Individuals grappling with metastatic breast cancer need to forge a collaborative partnership with their healthcare team to ensure an accurate diagnosis and the formulation of a tailored treatment plan. This often involves additional diagnostic assessments to confirm HER2 status and guide treatment decisions, alongside ongoing monitoring to optimize outcomes and manage symptoms effectively.
In scenarios where HER2-positive breast cancer metastasizes to the vertebrae (bone metastasis), a myriad of considerations come into play:
- Risk of Complications: Bone metastases pose a heightened risk of complications such as bone pain, fractures, and spinal cord compression, necessitating interventions like pain management and radiation therapy to mitigate their impact on quality of life.
- Effectiveness of Therapies: The efficacy of HER2-targeted therapies may vary based on factors such as the extent of bone involvement and tumor response to treatment.
- Bone-Directed Therapies: Bisphosphonates or denosumab may be employed to manage bone metastases and mitigate associated complications.
- Pain Management: Aggressive pain management strategies may be requisite to alleviate the discomfort stemming from bone metastases.
- Monitoring and Support: Regular monitoring and access to emotional support are pivotal for individuals contending with metastatic breast cancer involving bone metastases, aiding in the management of both the physical and emotional toll of the diagnosis.
Compensation for being erroneously diagnosed of Her2positive could include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Talk to our Experience North Carolina Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
Ward Black Law is one of the largest woman-owned law firms in North Carolina. With more than 30 years of experience representing individuals with cancer in North Carolina, the caring attorneys and staff are uniquely qualified to assist people with cancer. The firm has been named one of the “Best Firms in America” since 2008.
If you or a loved one in the Winston Salem or High Point areas has been misdiagnosed with having HER2-positive breast cancer when you were HER2-negative and received incorrect chemotherapy treatments, you have the right to seek a legal opinion. The attorneys at Ward Black Law are experienced in this practice area. We can confidentially review your case, explain your rights and discuss any compensation to which you may be entitled. The initial case review is always free, so contact us today by phone at 336.333.2244, text us at 336.439.8054, or email us at info@wardblacklaw.com