Failure To Diagnose Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancers among men in America, with one in every nine men being diagnosed with it at some point in his life. When caught in the early stages, prostate cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer.
In fact, if prostate is detected in the localized or regional state (mild to moderate spread, but not to the lungs, liver, or bones) patients have an almost 100% 5-year survival rate. This means that if caught early, almost every single patient lives another five years and typically longer.
Because prostate cancer characteristically responds so well to treatment, it is vital that it is detected sooner rather than later. Unfortunately for some, prostate cancer isn’t caught in the early stages.
Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
Some of the symptoms of prostate cancer are also present in other, less dangerous, diagnoses, so some of these symptoms can be overlooked. Early symptoms and warning signs of prostate cancer include:
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty beginning urination
- Pain or burning during urination
- Inability to urinate effectively or completely
- Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or thighs
- Erectile dysfunction
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in urine
- Blood or urine in semen
Reasons Why Prostate Cancer Diagnoses Are Missed
There are many different reasons why prostate cancer may not be diagnosed in the early stages. Men may be unaware of the early symptoms of prostate cancer or be embarrassed to talk to a doctor about any symptoms they may be experiencing, which may include difficulty or pain in urination or erectile dysfunction.
Unfortunately, sometimes a missed prostate cancer diagnosis can be caused by the negligence of a doctor or medical professional. A general practitioner may fail to refer a patient to a specialist. A doctor may fail to order the correct tests to determine prostate cancer. Or, a radiologist or pathologist may fail to conduct a test correctly leading to incorrect results or misread test results.
Proving Failure To Diagnose Prostate Cancer
If you believe that a physician failed to diagnose prostate cancer in you or a loved one, you may be entitled to compensation to cover losses and pain and suffering. To build a strong case proving that medical malpractice occurred, the following evidence is necessary:
- Proof that there was a patient-doctor relationship at the time of missed diagnosis
- Proof that according to reasonable professional standards, the doctor should have been able to detect symptoms of prostate cancer and taken steps toward testing and treatment
- Proof that the failure to diagnose caused unnecessary harm and pain and suffering to the patient
Contact The Atlanta Medical Malpractice Attorneys At Moraitakis & Kushel, LLP
If you or a loved one experienced a missed diagnosis of prostate cancer due to the negligence of a doctor or medical professional, contact the medical malpractice attorneys Moraitakis & Kushel, LLP. Our experienced attorneys can help you build a case for compensation. Contact us by calling 404-973-0341 or via our online form to set up a time to talk about your individual circumstances.