New York City Prostate Cancer Misdiagnosis Lawyers

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    Failure to Diagnose Prostate Cancer

    In the United States, Prostate Cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men. According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that over 200,000 new cases of Prostate Cancer will be diagnosed and over 25,000 people will die from the disease each year.

    Since the prostate cancer progresses very slowly, warning symptoms may never appear until it is too late. It is important that physicians use the utmost care when properly evaluating patients for any signs or symptoms that may indicate the possibility of prostate cancer.

    Instances of medical malpractice related to the diagnosis of prostate cancer include:

    What is Prostate Cancer?

    Prostate cancer is a cancer that forms in the tissues of the prostate. The prostate is a walnut sized gland in the male reproductive system located near the bladder and rectum. This reproductive gland makes and stores a component of semen.

    Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

    Prostate Cancer is a disease that progresses very slowly. It often does not cause symptoms for many years. In most cases by the time signs or symptoms occur, the cancer has spread beyond the prostate.

    Certain risk factors have been shown to alert the possibility of prostate cancer. Research has found that:

    • More than 70% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer are over the age of 65.
    • African American men have a higher risk of prostate cancer than white men.

    While the disease may not present any warning or indication, when symptoms do occur, they may include:

    • Frequent urination
    • Inability to urinate
    • Trouble starting or holding back urination
    • A weak or interrupted flow of urine
    • Painful or burning urination
    • Blood in the urine or semen
    • Painful ejaculation
    • Frequent pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs

    What Tests can be Performed?

    A doctor may perform a PSA blood test, a test that can help detect prostate cancer in its early stages by measuring the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA), an enzyme that is produced by the prostate and released into the bloodstream. Rectal exams and biopsies may also be helpful in determining whether a patient has prostate cancer.

    The following may indicate Medical Malpractice

    • Failing to perform a routine prostate examination
    • Failing to perform a PSA blood test
    • Failing to identify a cancerous mass in the prostate during a health examination
    • Failing to test for prostate cancer when a patient exhibits symptoms
    • Failing to order or perform a biopsy when test results show an abnormality
    • Misinterpreting PSA blood tests or biopsy results
    • Failing to properly react to biopsy results
    • Failing to recommend appropriate treatment options
    • Failing to follow up with the patient

    If you, a family member or a friend were improperly diagnosed or treated for prostate cancer due to the negligence of a hospital, doctor, or medical facility contact Finz & Finz, P.C., now toll free at (855) TOP-FIRM or fill out the Free Prostate Cancer Malpractice Case Evaluation form.