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Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer Misdiagnosis Compensation Claims Solicitors.

Receiving a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult moments a person can face.

It brings with it an enormous weight, both of managing the physical effects of the disease, and also the emotional shock, disruption to family life, and uncertainty about the future. That experience becomes even harder when you discover your cancer could have been diagnosed earlier, but wasn’t.

Pancreatic cancer is known for being particularly challenging to detect. Symptoms are often vague or mistaken for less serious conditions, and by the time they are recognised, the cancer may have already spread beyond the pancreas. That’s why it is crucial for medical professionals to act with urgency and care when symptoms suggest something more serious. When GPs or specialists fail to refer patients for appropriate testing, or misinterpret warning signs, the window for early, effective treatment can be lost, with life-altering consequences.

At Lanyon Bowdler, we support individuals and families across England and Wales who have experienced delayed or incorrect cancer diagnoses. Our nationally recognised medical negligence team has handled many high-value claims, including those involving pancreatic cancer, a condition where time is truly critical. We understand how difficult it can be to come to terms with what has happened, and we’re here to help you pursue answers, accountability, and the support you need to move forward.

Bringing a pancreatic cancer negligence claim can help secure better treatment, fund ongoing care, and provide the reassurance that your experience has been heard and taken seriously. If you have questions about the care you received, or believe your diagnosis should have come sooner, please get in touch with our compassionate and experienced team. We’re here to listen, and to help.

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Can I make a Pancreatic Cancer Negligence Claim?

To have a valid claim for compensation for Pancreatic Cancer Negligence, you must prove that the medical professional who owed you a duty of care has acted negligently. Our specialists at Lanyon Bowdler can help you collect evidence and create a strong case, so you can get compensated for your pain and suffering and get the outcome you deserve from such a traumatic experience.

If you have experienced the negative effects of a pancreatic cancer misdiagnosis, or have sadly lost a loved one due to medical negligence, we can help you to seek justice and compensation. Please get in touch with our medical negligence solicitors to find out how we can help you.

Your Pancreatic Cancer questions answered

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

The pancreas sits in the upper abdomen, behind the stomach, and forms an integral part of the digestive system. It is made up of two parts: the exocrine pancreas, which produces digestive juices, and the endocrine pancreas that produces hormones to aid digestion, such as insulin.

Cancer can develop in either part of the pancreas, and each type of pancreatic cancer can cause different symptoms and behave differently to the other. However, the most commonly diagnosed form of pancreatic cancer are exocrine tumours.

Cancerous tumours develop when the cells within the pancreas mutate and begin to grow uncontrollably and survive longer than a normal cell should, which leads to an accumulation of cells and the formation of a tumour.

How can Pancreatic Cancer be Misdiagnosed?

Patients with pancreatic cancer stand the best chance of recovery when the condition is diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Any delay in diagnosis can lead to the cancer progressing to a later stage and spreading to other parts of the body, making it more difficult to treat effectively.

Left untreated, the symptoms of pancreatic cancer can worsen, and additional symptoms may begin to emerge, including:

  • The onset of diabetes
  • Unexplained vomiting
  • Unexplained blood clots
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Prolonged itchiness
  • Pain in the stomach, back, and sides
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Prolonged fever or shivering
  • Prolonged indigestion
  • The onset of jaundice

The longer the cancer is left untreated, the more invasive the treatment options may become. For example, depending on the size and type of pancreatic cancer and its location, in the early stages it may be possible to treat pancreatic cancer with a course of radiotherapy or chemotherapy. However, as the cancer progresses, it may be  necessary to  endure a longer, more intense, course of chemotherapy, which can have side effects including fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, or to carry out major surgery to remove the pancreas altogether.

In some cases, the misdiagnosis of pancreatic cancer can lead to the condition spreading to other parts of the body so much that it becomes untreatable and the patient is prescribed palliative care until they reach end of life.

What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

It can sometimes take a while for the symptoms of pancreatic cancer to become apparent, whilst many of the symptoms can also be indicative of other conditions and ailments which are less serious, which may lead to patients enduring the symptoms for longer than they should before consulting their GP.

The main symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:

  • Jaundice
  • Darker urine than normal
  • Paler stools than normal
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Lethargy and fatigue
  • Itchy skin
  • Indigestion and heartburn
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever and chills
  • Back pain
  • Diabetes

Some of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be a bit vague at first, but any changes to your usual digestive habits and functions always warrant a visit to your GP so that they can carry out tests and refer you to a specialist for further investigation.

If your GP has failed to examine you or has not referred you to a specialist, causing a delay in your diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Please don’t hesitate to contact our team of medical negligence solicitors to find out how we can help you.

Who is most at risk of developing pancreatic cancer?

There is no definitive way to predict who will develop pancreatic cancer, although there are a number of factors that may increase the risk of developing the disease, including:

  • Being aged between 50 and 80 years old
  • Consuming a consistently unhealthy diet
  • Being significantly overweight / obese
  • Regular use of cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco
  • A history of associated medical conditions such as diabetes, stomach ulcers, chronic pancreatitis, and helicobacter pylori infection

Those who fall into any of these high risk categories may not necessarily develop pancreatic cancer, but if you develop symptoms and any of the above factors apply to you, your GP should be extra vigilant when it comes to checking for cancer. Failure to refer a high risk patient to a specialist when they present with symptoms can constitute medical negligence, and you may be entitled to claim compensation.

What are the implications of pancreatic cancer misdiagnosis?

Patients with pancreatic cancer stand the best chance of recovery when the condition is diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Any delay in diagnosis can lead to the cancer progressing to a later stage and spreading to other parts of the body, making it more difficult to treat effectively.

Left untreated, the symptoms of pancreatic cancer can worsen, and additional symptoms may begin to emerge, including:

  • The onset of diabetes
  • Unexplained vomiting
  • Unexplained blood clots
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Prolonged itchiness
  • Pain in the stomach, back, and sides
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Prolonged fever or shivering
  • Prolonged indigestion
  • The onset of jaundice

The longer the cancer is left untreated, the more invasive the treatment options may become. For example, depending on the size and type of pancreatic cancer and its location, in the early stages it may be possible to treat pancreatic cancer with a course of radiotherapy or chemotherapy. However, as the cancer progresses, it may be  necessary to  endure a longer, more intense, course of chemotherapy, which can have side effects including fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, or to carry out major surgery to remove the pancreas altogether.

In some cases, the misdiagnosis of pancreatic cancer can lead to the condition spreading to other parts of the body so much that it becomes untreatable and the patient is prescribed palliative care until they reach end of life.

If you have experienced the negative effects of a pancreatic cancer misdiagnosis, or have sadly lost a loved one due to medical negligence, we can help you to seek justice and compensation. Please get in touch with our medical negligence solicitors to find out how we can help you.

Testimonials

What our clients say.

It is incredibly important to find legal representation that balances high-level expertise with genuine human compassion, especially when a family has been through such a difficult ordeal. We cannot therefore recommend Lanyon Bowdler highly enough for their work on our medical negligence case. From our very first meeting, it was clear that we were in capable and caring hands. This was a deeply delicate and complicated case involving significant suffering for both the individual and our entire family. The team at Lanyon Bowdler approached every hurdle with a level of empathy that we truly needed during such a painful time. They never treated us like just another case file; they understood the human impact behind the legal process. Their legal approach was methodical, braking down complex medical and legal jargon so we always knew where we stood. No stone was left unturned in gathering evidence and expert testimony. They were persistent in pursuing the best possible outcome, maintaining incredible attention to detail throughout. Navigating medical negligence is exhausting, but having a firm that combines rigorous professional standards with genuine heart made all the difference. We are so grateful for their dedication to justice for our family.

Melissa
via ReviewSolicitors

The solicitors were brilliant and I was happy with the outcome of the claim.

Emma
via ReviewSolicitors

…(the positive outcome) was down to the professionalism and competency of the Lanyon Bowdler team, and we will be forever grateful.

Anonymous

You have been exceptional in managing my expectations and explaining the processes to me. You have managed to navigate the very difficult and emotional turmoil that I have experienced during the course of this process.

I could not have asked for a more sensitive and thorough approach. I am grateful to you for securing the outcome that we sought, but more than that I am thankful to you for the kindness that you have shown to me.

 

KR
via email

From the first contact, the team at Lanyon Bowdler gave a fast & efficient service. They were very friendly & gave me the confidence that I had found the right solicitors. The advice given & the fast responses were beyond my expectations. The matter was resolved in no time at all.

Martyn
via ReviewSolicitors

I contacted Lanyon Bowdler for advice on a Welsh Redress offer I received after a recent never event incident that happened during my ectopic pregnancy procedure. The advice and service I received from the very first phone call was fantastic. The advice and information from Emma Hart was clear and her approach was professional while being in a friendly manor. I was kept fully aware of what was happening and I am so thankful to her for sorting everything so quick and easy on my behalf. Her service was truly amazing.

Elin
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Was satisfied with the work they’ve done for my family, my experience with them all was very good and welcoming thank you all involved.

Michele
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Communication was second to none. Thank you.

Mr G
Telford

Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.

Michael
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I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.

Peter Weston
Shrewsbury

All work carried out effectively and efficiently.

Hubert Jones
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An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.

Eric
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From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.

Carl Gittins
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Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.

Ian Jamieson
Telford

Over the last seven years I have been represented by Lanyon Bowdler in a clinical negligence case. Throughout this time, I put my complete trust in the firm and they did not let me down.

Darren
via ReviewSolicitors

My solicitor kept me informed on everything in the five years that it took to have a successful claim.

Gill
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Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.

Lee

I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.

Heather
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Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.

Lisa Thacker

Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.

Lisa Thacker
Jennifer M Whittall Ltd

Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.

Lee Mortimer
UK Case Management

Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.

Mark Bowkett
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Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.

Tim
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We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.

Allenby Douglas Ltd
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Ivor Brown
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Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.

Paul Rowe
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Our first experience with a medical claim has been made that much more painless by the clear and consistent advice provided to date, thank you.

Peter
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Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.

Mr N J & Dr S J Browne
Llanfyllin

What Constitutes Medical Negligence?

When a patient presents to their GP with symptoms of pancreatic cancer, the doctor should perform several examinations, for example examining the eyes to check for signs of jaundice, and feeling around the abdomen to check for any pain or unusual lumps. They will usually order a blood test too, which can tell doctors an awful lot about what is going on inside the body. If the GP suspects cancer they will refer you to a specialist for further testing such as CT scans, PET scans, ultrasound scans, endoscopy, laparoscopy, or biopsy.

A medical professional may be considered to be negligent for the following reasons:

  • Failure to carry out the necessary examinations
  • Failure to refer you to a specialist
  • Failure to follow up on abnormal test results
  • Failure to accurately interpret test results
  • Failure to provide the correct diagnosis
  • Failure to prescribe the appropriate course of treatment

If the actions of a medical professional have led to your pancreatic cancer progressing and worsening, or you have been wrongly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and received unnecessary treatment, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Here at Lanyon Bowdler we have a great deal of experience in helping people who have received negligent cancer treatment to seek justice and receive compensation, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.

Contact Our Pancreatic Cancer Negligence Solicitors

If you or a loved one has experienced a delay in the diagnosis or treatment of pancreatic cancer due to negligent medical care, you may be entitled to bring a claim. Pancreatic cancer can progress quickly, making early detection vital, but when opportunities are missed, the consequences can be life-changing.

At Lanyon Bowdler, our experienced Pancreatic Cancer Negligence Solicitors are here to support you. As part of our award-winning team of  Medical Negligence Solicitors, we understand how devastating a delayed or missed diagnosis can be, and we are committed to helping you secure the answers, accountability, and compensation you deserve.

We know how difficult it can be to take legal action while dealing with the impact of a cancer diagnosis, which is why we take a sensitive and compassionate approach. Our team will listen to your concerns, explain your options clearly, and support you every step of the way during your cancer negligence claim.

We have offices in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Conwy, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry, and Telford, so are able to act for clients throughout Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales. Our specialists regularly act for families across the Midlands, and our reputation makes us the leading Pancreatic Cancer Negligence Solicitors for Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Worcester. As a leading full-service law firm in Wales with some of the UK’s most experienced medical negligence lawyers, we can represent you wherever you live in England or Wales.

Our people

Meet the team.

Beth Heath
Partner
Medical Negligence | Maternity Care Team
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Emma Broomfield
Partner
Medical Negligence | Maternity Care Team
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Laura Weir
Partner
Medical Negligence | Maternity Care Team
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Lucy Small
Partner
Medical Negligence | Maternity Care Team
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Isabella Drummond
Costs Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury | Medical Negligence
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Lola Williams
Legal Support Assistant
Medical Negligence
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Phoebe Blythin
Legal Support Assistant
Medical Negligence
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Tilly Morgan
Legal Support Assistant
Medical Negligence
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Holly Dodgson
Legal Support Assistant
Medical Negligence
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Rebecca Asquith
Legal Assistant
Medical Negligence
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Martin Hood
Senior Associate Solicitor
Medical Negligence
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Ola Muras
Legal Support Assistant
Medical Negligence
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Emma Hart
Associate Solicitor
Medical Negligence
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Rebecca Wright
Solicitor
Medical Negligence
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Natasha Gibbons
Senior Associate Solicitor
Medical Negligence | Maternity Care Team
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Amy Bills
Associate Solicitor
Medical Negligence | Maternity Care Team
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Claudia Booth
Solicitor
Medical Negligence | Maternity Care Team
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Nicole Smith
Trainee Solicitor
Medical Negligence
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Annabel Priest
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Medical Negligence
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Sarah Martin
Costs Draftsman
Medical Negligence | Personal Injury
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Andrew Morris
Trainee Costs Draftsman
Medical Negligence | Personal Injury
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David Hughes
Senior Associate Costs Manager
Medical Negligence | Personal Injury
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Alicia Johns
Associate Legal Executive (FCILEX)
Medical Negligence | Maternity Care Team
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Kay Kelly
Consultant
Medical Negligence
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