New Jersey Personal Injury Blog
Archive – 2009 – December
New Drug Could Be Used to Treat Prostate Cancer in 2010
Prostate cancer is the most commonly occurring non-skin cancer in the United States today. That is significant considering this type of cancer only affects males. However, prostate cancer has an extremely high survival rate because of new breakthroughs in not only treatment, but also due to early detection. The Associated Press has reported that the pharmaceutical company Dendreon has submitted a Food and Drug Administration application seeking approval of the drug Provenge, which apparently has shown promise with regard to the treatment of prostate cancer. Dendreon has said that it hopes to launch this new drug in 2010 once the FDA has approved it.
Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate and other cancers, unfortunately there are still a number of physicians who do not always screen patients for prostate cancer with PSA test or a DRE (digital rectal examination) ,or, who fail to appreciate the significance of symptoms or warning signs associated with this cancer. There is no denying that early diagnosis and prompt treatment is the key to increasing ones chances of surviving any type of cancer. In many cases where cancer is misdiagnosed or not timely diagnosed, there can be a delay in treatment, and, a poorer prognosis for cure as result.
If you or a loved one has been misdiagnosed, or, had a delayed diagnosis of prostate cancer, the NJ failure to diagnose prostate cancer attorneys at Blume Goldfaden can help. You may have the basis to bring a possible New Jersey medical malpractice claim if your doctor failed to timely screen you for prostate cancer, or, did not use proper and timely screening methods and treatment. Call us today at 973-635-5400 to set up a no-cost consultation.
Source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010186483_webdendreon.html
Delayed Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer Can Be Fatal: When In Doubt, Seek a Second Opinion
A recent article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel addresses the experiences of three women who suffered the consequences of delayed ovarian cancer diagnosis. A 49-year-old woman said she had been telling her doctors about various symptoms and tell-tale signs including abnormal bleeding between periods. She was told nothing was wrong, until a year later, when she went back to the doctors and was informed that she would need to have surgery for ovarian cancer the next day.
According to national statistics, one in 72 women at some point in their lives will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. About 20,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and, unfortunately, more than half die within five years.
These statistics remind us that missed or delayed diagnosis of cancer is a very serious issue and may occur more frequently than most people realize. Cancer does not always have to be fatal, and, indeed, in many cases cancer can be cured if detected early enough. Therefore, it is important for potential cancer patients to be well-informed, to ask questions, and to seek second opinions. Thousands of patients who have survived their cancer have indicated how their decisions to seek a second opinion saved their life.
An incorrect or untimely diagnosis of cancer can have devastating effects on the life of a patient and her family; and, can result in a worsened prognosis, a need for more extensive or radical treatment, and, even death. If you or someone you know has suffered the consequence of a doctor’s or hospital’s negligence, contact a cancer misdiagnosis attorney at Blume Goldfaden to find out how we can help. Our attorneys have the knowledge and the expertise to determine whether there was any negligence in your care, and, if you have a potential claim. You can reach us for a no-cost consultation at 973-635-5400.
Source:http://www.cancercompass.com/cancer-news/article/16303.htm
Mayo Clinic Research Confirms PSA Best Way to Help Diagnose Prostate Cancer
Recent Mayo Clinic research has determined that routine annual evaluation of prostate growth is not solely the best predictor for the development of prostate cancer. According to a recent news report, the recent study suggests that if a man’s prostate specific antigen (PSA) level is rising quickly, a prostate biopsy is a more reasonable way to rule out prostate cancer. PSA is a substance that is produced in the prostate gland. Under normal circumstances a small amount of this substance enters a man’s bloodstream.
Men from the study group who did develop prostate cancer apparently showed a sharper and faster rise in PSA levels compared to other men who were not diagnosed with prostate cancer. Based on this study, a higher amount of PSA, or, a sudden increase in PSA levels can be indicative of a problem, possibly prostate cancer.
One factor which can lead to a delayed diagnosis of prostate cancer is a failure to utilize the tools available in the screening process. The presence of prostate cancer can usually be tested for by digital rectal exam (DRE) and a blood test. A DRE may be abnormal because of an enlarged, hardened or irregular shaped prostate. A blood test can generally be more helpful because it can show abnormalities in PSA levels in the bloodstream. The two tests used in tandem are the most effective way a doctor makes a diagnosis of prostate cancer early and accurately. If there are abnormalities in either or both of these tests, biopsies of the prostate can be performed to evaluate the tissue for a definitive diagnosis of cancer.
If you or a loved one has been misdiagnosed, or, diagnosed with prostate cancer at a late stage, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim. If your doctor did not use adequate prostate cancer screening methods, which resulted in misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of the cancer, the matter should be further investigated. At Blume Goldfaden, our New Jersey failure to diagnose prostate cancer attorneys have the experience and the resources to evaluate your potential claim and investigate your case. Call 973-635-5400 to schedule your no-cost consultation.
Source:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110112442.htm
Colon Cancer Screening Rates Still Low
A new study published in Health Day News reports that only 61 percent of Americans who should be screened for colon cancer are actually tested. This trend continues despite highly publicized colon cancer awareness campaigns and widespread agreement among medical professionals regarding the prevalence of colorectal cancer, and, the important part that early detection and diagnosis play in a patient’s prognosis and survival rate. The patients who are most likely to get screened include those who see a doctor regularly for check-ups and/or who had health insurance. The report noted that minority and uninsured patients, and, those below the poverty line income level, were less likely to receive adequate screenings.
Colon cancer kills nearly 50,000 Americans every year and is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States after lung cancer. A number of these deaths can be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment of the cancer. Unfortunately, doctors sometimes do not reinforce the need to have colon cancer screenings performed, causing a further delay in the diagnosis of the disease.
It is unfortunate that undiagnosed or late diagnosed cancer continues to be a problem, despite recent improvements in early screening and treatment. If you or a loved one have been misdiagnosed, or, if you have suffered serious consequences as a result of a delay in your cancer diagnosis, you may have meritorious grounds to pursue a medical malpractice claim against your doctor or hospital. You can consult with an experienced New Jersey cancer misdiagnosis lawyer at Blume Goldfaden by contacting us at 973-635-5400. We always offer a no-cost consultation, and, will evaluate your potential case to determine if there are any viable claims to be made.
Unnecessary Surgery Because of Test Mix-Up
Cancer misdiagnosis can occur because of hospital error. The Houston Chronicle reported the story of a 35 year old woman who has filed a medical malpractice claim against a hospital after a mix up in biopsy results. Essentially, she was told she had cancer when her biopsy, in fact, revealed she did not. The woman not only suffered from emotional distress, but also underwent unnecessary surgery to have a lump and lymph node removed. It wasn’t until days later that she was told she did not have cancer at all. Unfortunately, a label with the woman’s name on it had been put on the tissue sample of a different patient (who did have cancer). As a result of the unnecessary surgery, the woman’s breast was severely scarred, and, she is currently in psychological counseling for the physical and emotional trauma she has gone through.
While no harm was intended by the hospital, misdiagnosis can sometimes occur because hospital employees are negligent, and, do not follow proper hospital procedure. Failing to do something as routine as double checking a label to make sure it matches the correct patient’s tissue sample can result in significant harm to the patient.
If you are a victim of misdiagnosis, or a failure to diagnose or timely diagnose cancer, you may be entitled to bring a medical malpractice claim. The attorneys at Blume Goldfaden have both the experience and resources to investigate and successfully pursue your cancer misdiagnosis claim. Call us at 973-635-5400 to schedule a no-cost consultation regarding your possible case, and, we will evaluate whether there was any negligence involved in your medical care and testing.
Source:http://www.newsday.com