Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a leading cause of death of males in the United States. The prostrate is a male reproductive gland located beneath the bladder that produces and stores seminal fluid. The urethra, the channel that carries urine and semen out of the body, passes through the prostrate, so prostate cancer often produces symptoms of pain and difficulties related to urination, erectile function, and ejaculation.

Prostate cancer develops when glandular cells within the prostrate begin to divide and grow in an irregular fashion, producing malignant tumors. This malignant growth usually proceeds very slowly. Once in a while, however, the cancer spreads rapidly. It can be difficult to predict whether a malignancy will be slow or fast moving. Prostate cancer can spread to the surrounding lymph nodes and, beyond that, to the entire body.

The American Cancer Society recommends that all men over age 50 have an annual PSA blood test (prostate-specific antigen) and a DRE (digital rectal exam) as an early detection measure for prostate cancer.

Unfortunately, many doctors fail to detect prostate cancer in its early stages, order appropriate follow-up tests where necessary, or misinterpret those test results when they are ordered. Any doctor, who fails to diagnose prostate cancer when another physician could reasonably have been expected to do so, may be guilty of medical negligence.

If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and feel it could have been diagnosed earlier contact our lawyers to learn more about your legal rights.