Delayed Diagnosis of Colon Cancer in Postmenopausal Woman

Case Overview

This case involves a fifty-two-year-old female who presented to her primary care provider with complaints of weakness and fatigue that severely impaired her daily functioning. She saw many doctors and most attributed these changes to menopause given that her menstrual periods had been irregular over the same time period. The patient experienced significant weight loss of 10 lbs over the previous six months that was not attributable to diet or exercise. This factor led doctors to pursue more aggressive diagnostic measures that revealed colon cancer. A right hemicolectomy was performed to remove the tumor and although the CT scan showed no lesions in the liver, the surgeon biopsied a suspicious site. Pathology reports indicated a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma that had seeded the entire peritoneum.

Questions to the Hematology expert and their responses

Could an earlier diagnosis have altered this woman's prognosis?

The approximate five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer patients in the United States (all stages included) is 65%. Survival is inversely related to stage; patients with stage I have a 95% five-year survival rate, and those with stage III have only a 60% survival rate. For patients with metastatic, stage IV disease, the five-year survival rate is estimated at approximately 10%.

About the expert

This expert is board certified in Hematology & Oncology with additional research training in hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. He received his medical training at the Long Island Jewish Hillside Hospital Medical Center was formerly the Clinical Professor in the Department of Hematology & Oncology at a major university medical center in New York. Furthermore, he is currently on staff as an affiliated attending with privileges at several New York Hospital and is also the director of Medical Oncology at a private practice.

E-000029

Specialties:

Hematology

Michael Talve stands at the forefront of legal innovation as the CEO and Managing Director of Expert Institute. Under his leadership, the Expert Institute has established itself as a vital player in the legal technology arena, revolutionizing how lawyers connect with world-class experts and access advanced legal technology. Michael's role involves not only steering the company's strategic direction but also ensuring the delivery of unparalleled intelligence and cutting-edge solutions to legal professionals. His work at Expert Institute has been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of attorneys in case preparation and execution, making a significant impact on the legal industry's approach to expert consultation and technological integration. Michael's vision and execution have positioned the Expert Institute as a key facilitator in the intersection of law and technology.