Does the Failure to Diagnose Prostate Cancer Constitute Medical Malpractice?

Can I Sue a Doctor for Failing to Diagnose my Prostate Cancer? 

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common cancer threat to American males. Earlier this year, the organization released a statement detailing prostate cancer statistics. It was reported that 192,280 men would be diagnosed with the disease, while 27,360 would die. This roughly converts to one out of every six men suffering from this condition in his lifetime. Over two million men who have been diagnosed have been able to fight and overcome the disease much to their family’s relief. Furthermore, studies by the society indicated that five and ten year survival rates were relatively common among patients, thanks to their fast-thinking physicians.
However, not all cases had happy endings. Worse yet, some cases that could have reported long-term survival rates were cut short because of medical malpractice. According to WrongDiagnosis.com nearly 300 million potentially life-threatening medical cases (combined) involve a failure to diagnose. Prostate cancer is a condition that understandably is easy to write off. The patient could be reluctant to undergo this “embarrassing exam.” A doctor could assume that because the patient is young or has no history of prostate cancer in his family, the chances of developing the disease are non-existent. A doctor might postpone a diagnosis because he feels there are no symptoms to justify a biopsy, or simply because he wants to avoid the trouble.
Patients are advised by the medical industry to ask their doctor about the possibility of a pre-cancer screening test. Why? Because as the Mayo Clinic states, “detecting certain types of prostate cancer early can be critical.” The PSA test (Prostate-specific antigen) is an example of a cancer screening test. A doctor should be thorough in her analysis. A cautious doctor, just as concerned about the patient as she is about medical malpractice, might even suggest the possibility of cancer screening tests before symptoms start to appear.
In diagnosing prostate cancer, a doctor will examine the form of the testicle and perhaps perform an ultrasound test. This may be followed by other blood and urine tests. However, as the American Cancer Associates states, a biopsy is the only way to confirm the development of prostate cancer.
If a doctor has ignored symptoms or failed to show concern by ordering diagnostic tests, then you or a deceased loved one may have been a victim of medical malpractice. The failure to diagnose testicular cancer is a major mistake and one that you shouldn’t have to pay for. In order to bring a lawsuit against a doctor or a hospital, you would have to show evidence that the doctor acted negligently by refusing to order diagnostic tests.
If it can be shown to a court that more medical attention early on could have prevented the disease from becoming fatal or injurious, then you may be entitled to medical malpractice compensation. You may be entitled to lost wages, medical expenses and even pain and suffering damages.
However, you cannot fight the medical system on your own. You need an experienced Dallas medical malpractice attorney to guide you through this process. The Rasansky Law Firm can help you through this ordeal. Call (214) 651-6100 and relate the details of your case.