If you’re like many people in West Virginia, you might have had your tonsils removed when you were a child. Tonsils are made from tissues at the back of your throat and help protect your body from bacteria. But while they’re supposed to protect you from disease, they can also develop tonsil cancer.
What is tonsil cancer?
People who smoke or drink alcohol have a higher risk of developing tonsil cancer, but it can happen to anyone, even people who have had their tonsils removed. Tonsil cancer is more commonly diagnosed in men who are at least 50 years old.
Symptoms include a lump or sore in the back of your throat, a sore throat that doesn’t go away, difficulty swallowing, white patches on the tonsils and bloody saliva. If you have any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may perform a series of tests to determine whether you have tonsil cancer.
Tonsil cancer is relatively rare, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Still, getting diagnosed early can have a massive impact on your prognosis. If your doctor fails to diagnose it in time, you might be able to sue for medical malpractice. Most people live for five years or more after their diagnosis.
How can you sue your physician for malpractice?
Medical malpractice comes in many forms. Common issues include failure to diagnose, medication errors and surgical errors. If you’ve experienced any of these issues, an attorney may help you launch a lawsuit against your physician. Your attorney may be able to help you hold the doctor or hospital accountable for your damages.
