Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. In the United States, there are more than 3 million people diagnosed with skin cancer each year. Skin cancer is the mutation of cells beneath the skin that is often highly aggressive. These highly aggressive mutations grow out of control and form cancerous cells. If left untreated, skin cancer can metastasize or spread to the bones, organs, and other parts of the body, resulting in fatal consequences. Skin cancer comes in the form of lesions and tumors. Types of skin cancers include:
A pathologist is a medical professional responsible for examining bodily fluids and tissue in order to assist in diagnosing a patient that is experiencing certain signs and symptoms of a medical condition. A pathologist will use laboratory tests and equipment to assist with the process of diagnosing serious or sometimes life-threatening illnesses. For this reason, a pathology error can have serious consequences for a patient.
Recently, a family experienced the tragedy of losing their healthy 17 year old daughter resulting from complications following a routine wisdom teeth extraction. The procedure was nearly completed when suddenly, the teen went into cardiac arrest. Although she was transferred to a children’s hospital, she suffered seizures and swelling in the brain. After surgery to reduce the swelling was unsuccessful, the teen passed away.
