One of the most common medical malpractice compensation claims is a failure to diagnose or a misdiagnosis of prostate cancer. Regrettably, this happens all too often and can have serious consequences as prompt treatment is critical to a successful recovery. Any time there is a delay in treatment, the chance of survival diminishes. If you have been a victim you should seek help and advice from a medical malpractice lawyer.
There are many reasons that a doctor or other medical professional could be negligent resulting in a medical malpractice compensation claim which includes the following:
Failure to order the necessary antigen test for prostate screening: The PSA test is one of the best indicators of prostate cancer or other abnormalities. This test should be ordered whenever there is a suspicion of cancer, as well as part of a routine examination for older men.
Failure to acknowledge or act upon PSA levels that are elevated or abnormal: PSA test results need to be taken seriously.
Failure to order or carry out a digital rectal examination: One of the best preliminary tests for prostate cancer.
Failure to acknowledge or act upon a digital rectal examination that appears to be abnormal: Dismissing abnormalities that appear in the exam can cause cancer to spread.
Failure to consult with or refer the patient to an oncologist, urologist or other specialist: These specialists can order precise tests to verify preliminary results as well as prescribe effective treatments.
Failure to prescribe necessary treatment programs: Treatment for prostate cancer is most successful when started as soon as possible.
Failure to notify the patient regarding test results that may come back abnormal: A medical professional may decide to wait and re-test at a later date, without giving the information to the patient. The patient is then not aware of a potential risk and would not know to seek a second test.
Failure to arrange follow-up appointments with the patient: Even small abnormalities should be monitored on a regular basis to make sure any changes are acted upon promptly.
Failure to order a biopsy to follow-up with test results that appear to be abnormal following a physical examination or blood test: PSA blood test results and physical examinations are two of the most efficient diagnostic tools. Biopsies should be ordered immediately following any abnormal findings.
Surgery Complications
Complications of prostate surgery include:
Unexpected death;
Anesthetic complications;
Urinary retention;
Bleeding;
Injury to the ureter;
Infection;
Injury to the urinary sphincter;
Erectile dysfunction;
Impotence;
Rectal injuries;
Incontinence.
