Neuro-Oncology Expert Witnesses
That insight attorneys need on cases involving neuro-oncology
Neuro-oncology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of tumors that develop within the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the nervous system. Physicians who specialize in this field are called neuro-oncologists.
In the United States, neuro-oncologists must complete a medical degree (MD or DO), a residency in either neurology or neurosurgery and a one- to two-year fellowship in neuro-oncology, which includes specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of brain and spinal cord tumors. Board Certification in neuro-oncology is administered by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).
Some of the types of tumors neuro-oncologists treat include:
- Gliomas: the most common type of primary brain tumors, which originate in the glial cells of the brain.
- Meningiomas: tumors that develop in the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
- Pituitary tumors: tumors that arise in the pituitary gland.
- Medulloblastomas: a type of cancer that primarily affects children and originates in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination.
- Primary CNS lymphoma: a type of cancer that arises in the lymphatic system within the brain or spinal cord.
- Metastatic brain tumors: cancers that have spread to the brain from other parts of the body, such as the lung or breast.
- Spinal cord tumors: tumors that develop within the spinal cord or the surrounding membranes.
The role of a neuro-oncologist as an expert witness
As in all oncology subspecialties, neuro-oncology malpractice can have devastating consequences for a patient. Failure to properly diagnose cancer or delayed diagnosis can be catastrophic. Neuro-oncologists can also make errors in treatment, including surgical mistakes or administering the wrong dose of chemotherapy.
In these situations, a qualified, Board-Certified neuro-oncologist can explain the applicable standards of care and offer an opinion on whether the standard of care was met. The neuro-oncologist can also explain the damage done by malpractice and give an opinion on the patient’s likely complications and long-term prognosis.
Neuro-oncologists can also be valuable expert witnesses in other types of injury cases that involve brain cancer, such as environmental or occupational exposure to carcinogens that can cause neurological cancers. They can explain the symptoms of tumors in the brain and spinal cord to help quantify pain and suffering and other damages.
Decades of experience helping America’s finest attorneys
For decades, the team at Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants has been helping America’s finest attorneys find the right experts for high-stakes medical malpractice and personal injury litigation. As a result, we have access to Board-Certified, highly qualified neuro-oncologists prepared for consultation and trial testimony. Contact us today for a free case summary review.