The Michigan medical malpractice lawyers at Buckfire & Buckfire P.C. represent families whose loved ones have been grievously injured or have died as a result of the failure to diagnose and treat melanoma.
What Is Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is one of the fastest-growing cancers among white Americans. An increase in this type of cancer has been seen from 1997 and 2006. In this time period the use of tanning beds across the country exploded. Researchers say that there is a clear link between the increase of tanning bed use and the rise in melanoma.
Melanoma Signs & Symptoms
It is important to seek medical attention from a doctor to determine whether or not you have melanoma. Melanoma is generally recognized as being the most serious and potentially the most fatal form of all skin cancers. The onset of melanoma is typically characterized by a change in the size, shape, color or texture of an existing mole or skin lesion.
The following are signs and symptoms of Melanoma:
- Discolored skin
- Growth of new moles
- Existing moles that change in size, shape or color: Melanoma lesions frequently can change in size and color.
- Moles with unusual shapes or are more than one color: Melanoma lesions will typically have an asymmetrical or irregular shape. The color of melanoma lesions may not be uniform. Often, the color of melanoma lesions can vary from shades of black, brown or tan. Frequently, melanoma may present as a multi-colored lesion.
- Moles that bleed or leak
Melanoma Risk Factors
There are several well-recognized risk factors associated with the development of melanoma. Individuals with fair skin or with a history of sunburn injury to their skin are recognized as being at increased risk for the development of melanoma lesions. Individuals who have a family history of the development of melanoma lesions or other forms of skin cancer may also be at an increased risk for the development of potentially fatal melanoma lesions.
Melanoma can usually be treated and cured if diagnosed at an early stage. The failure to diagnose and treat melanoma can lead to metastasis. That is, the melanoma cancer cells can spread from the area of the skin into the lymph nodes and to other parts of the body, including the liver or brain. Metastatic melanoma is difficult to treat and is often fatal.
A reasonable and careful doctor who suspects that a particular skin lesion might be melanoma will always perform a biopsy of the lesion, which is the only way that a definitive diagnosis of melanoma can be made.
In many cases, however, an inexperienced or negligent care provider will simply burn or "cauterize" the lesion without obtaining a biopsy. In many cases, simply cauterizing or excising a melanoma lesion will not prevent a recurrence or metastasis.
Michigan Melanoma Medical Malpractice Attorneys No Fee Promise
We will represent you in your Michigan melanoma malpractice case under our NO FEE PROMISE. This means that you will not be charged any legal fees whatsoever unless we obtain a settlement or recovery for you. You have absolutely no obligation for legal fees unless we win your case. If we do not obtain a settlement for you, you owe us nothing!
Contact Your Michigan Melanoma Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
Individuals suffering from melanoma due to medical malpractice should contact the Michigan melanoma medical malpractice attorneys at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Call us now at (800) 606-1717 to speak with one of our experienced lawyers about your case.