Failure to Diagnose Prostate Cancer and Medical Malpractice
Receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis can be a terrifying experience. However, if cancer is diagnosed early, there are generally several treatment options that offer a good chance of recovery. Conversely, when prostate cancer goes undetected, the consequences can be costly, and even deadly.
In many cases, a failure to diagnose prostate cancer is a matter of medical malpractice. When individuals in the Salt Lake City, UT, area suffer physical, emotional, and/or financial damages as a result of a failed cancer diagnosis, the medical malpractice attorneys at Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC can assist them seek financial compensation for their losses.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Potential signs of prostate cancer that should not be ignored include:
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Difficulty urinating
- Pain or a burning sensation while urinating
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain during ejaculation
- Pain of the lower back, hip, or upper thigh
How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
Prostate cancer is generally diagnosed following a routine screening, or when patients schedule an exam due to health concerns. There are several diagnostic tests that may be ordered when a doctor suspects the patient is suffering from prostate cancer. The tests most commonly used to diagnose prostate cancer include:
- Digital rectal examination
- Transrectal ultrasound
- Prostate-specific antigen
If these tests are not ordered, it is highly likely that prostate cancer will not be diagnosed, or that the condition will go undetected until it has advanced to more aggressive stages.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
A missed or delayed prostate cancer diagnosis can have catastrophic effects. Like most other types of cancer, prostate cancer has a much higher rate of survival when it is caught early. Without diagnosis and treatment, prostate cancer will continue to advance, giving patients a lower survival rate if the cancer is eventually diagnosed and treated.
Consequences of Missed or Delayed Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Even if a Salt Lake City patient survives prostate cancer after a delayed diagnosis, they will be forced to endure undue suffering. A missed or delayed prostate cancer diagnosis can result in:
- Unnecessary physical pain
- Excessive emotional stress
- Loss of sexual function
- The need for more invasive treatments
- Surgical scarring
- Organ removal
How Do I Know If I Have a Case of Medical Malpractice?
Many times, a failure to diagnose prostate cancer is the result of medical malpractice. If diagnostic tests are not ordered when a patient exhibits potential symptoms of prostate cancer, it is likely that the acting medical professional was neglectful and failed to deliver the accepted standard of care.
When patients in the Salt Lake City area suspect that a missed prostate cancer diagnosis was the result of medical neglect, they should reach out to our attorneys. Our legal team will examine the details of the case and consult with trained medical professionals to determine if there is a case of medical neglect.
Legal Compensation for Delayed Cancer Diagnosis
If medical neglect can be proven, individuals may be due compensation for losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and.
In the event of a preventable death, lawyers may seek wrongful death damages to cover funeral expenses, loss of income and/or benefits, and loss of consortium.
Schedule a Consultation
If you believe that you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, the attorneys at Younker Hyde Macfarlane can help. To discuss the details of your case with our legal team, send us a message online, or call (801) 335-7025 to schedule a consultation.
