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 Forte, 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 973-845-4421 to schedule your no-cost consultation.