New Jersey Personal Injury Blog
Category – Cancer Delayed Diagnosis
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
New Microscope Allows Surgeons to Spot Cancerous Tumors in Real Time
Successful treatment of cancer is usually dependent upon early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment. According to a recent news report in Science Daily, a new miniature hand-held microscope may allow doctors to not only accurately diagnose tumors sooner, but also aid in their removal in instances where surgery is necessary.
Neurosurgeons are using the new miniature “confocal” microscope to view brain tumors in real time during exploratory procedures. Digital images of tumor and brain tissue can also be obtained by using the new microscope. Previously, surgeons had to take biopsies of tissue in order to identify tumors. However, these new microscopes distinguish cancer cells and the size and characteristics of the brain tumor without a biopsy.
While news of these advanced treatments is indeed promising and gives hope to cancer patients and their families, it is impossible to implement use of this groundbreaking technology if a patient’s symptoms are ignored, or, not timely investigated. Unfortunately, when a delay of diagnosis of cancer occurs, many patients suffer devastating consequences as a result, including a worsened prognosis, the need for more extensive, radical and/or invasive treatment, and, even death.
If you or a loved one have been misdiagnosed or have had a delay in the diagnosis of your malignancy, and, have suffered as a result, you may be able to bring a medical malpractice claim against the healthcare providers (doctors and hospitals) that failed to properly diagnose your disease.
Contact the New Jersey delayed diagnosis attorneys at Blume Goldfaden for a no-cost case evaluation. Our cancer misdiagnosis attorneys have the experience and expertise to evaluate your potential claim and determine whether delayed diagnosis or malpractice resulted in a worsening of your medical condition. You can reach us at 973-635-5400 to find out more about your legal rights and options.
Source:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111153804.htm
Study Finds Too Few Resident Physicians Have Skills to Detect Melanoma
Medical researchers have found that many resident physicians have not been properly trained in skin cancer examinations. According to a news report in Health Day, researchers surveyed 342 resident physicians in family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and internal medicine. Information was collected about the physicians’ training and experience with melanoma exams as a well their level of skill and expertise in performing these skin cancer examinations.
Researchers found that training for skin cancer examination during residency was inadequate. In fact, this survey determined that 75.8 percent of residents were never trained in skin cancer examination and only 15.9 percent said they were skilled in conducting these types of exams.
Melanoma is the second most common cancer in Americans aged 15 to 29, and, 25 percent of melanomas are detected by doctors rather than patients. In addition, the study stated that skin cancers discovered by doctors are generally thinner and, as a result, have a better prognosis for cure. These statistics illustrate how important it is that doctors be properly trained in detecting these cancers and pre-cancerous conditions. This is extremely important when it comes to melanoma, which if not diagnosed until a later stage, is a potentially fatal skin malignancy.
It is, therefore, especially important that internists and family practitioners be in a position to accurately screen patients for melanoma. Physicians who are currently in training (in medical school or a residency program) who do not learn this skill, are less likely to ever become proficient at melanoma evaluations.
If you believe you or a loved one’s skin cancer was misdiagnosed or not timely diagnosed, contact the experienced attorneys at Blume Goldfaden for a no-cost consultation. Our attorneys have successfully handled numerous cases pertaining to failure to timely diagnose and treat various cancers. Call us at 973-635-5400.