For many women, the removal of noncancerous growths from the uterus seems like a relatively harmless procedure. Fibroids, for example, are very common among women and sometimes require removal. A common device used by doctors to remove fibroids from the uterus is a power morcellator. This device is also used when performing hysterectomies and certain kidney and spleen surgeries. A power morcellator is inserted through a small incision and then removes tissue after cutting and shredding it. Unfortunately, the patients whom these devices were used on may be at a higher risk for developing certain types of cancer.
Five Facts About Power Morcellators and the Link to Cancer
Interested in learning more about the link between power morcellators and cancer? The following is an overview:
- Studies have shown a link between power morcellators and the risk of developing uterine cancers, including leiomyosarcoma. This type of cancer is especially rare and aggressive.
- In many cases where the use of power morcellators led to the development of cancer, the patients did not discover the disease until it was already at a late stage.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication in 2014 discouraging doctors from using power morcellators for removing uterine fibroids. The safety communication was issued because of the risk of spreading undiagnosed cancer throughout the abdominal cavity.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that 1 in 350 women may be at risk for cancer development due to undiagnosed cancer that spread after a hysterectomy involving a power morcellator.
- Women are not the only potential victims. Men can also be affected by cancer spreading as a result of the use of power morcellators in procedures involving the kidney or spleen.
If you underwent a procedure involving a power morcellator and later developed cancer, you may have a claim for compensation. We encourage you to act quickly in order to protect your legal rights. Contact us today at 888-526-7616.
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