Screening Male Patients For Prostate Cancer And Medical Malpractice
Doctors typically use two tests to screen men for prostate cancer.The first test
is the digital examination.During this examination the doctor uses a gloved finger to physically examine the prostate gland for any signs of enlargement, hardening, or the presence of nodules, any of which could be a sign of cancer.The second test is the PSA blood test which measures the level of prostate specific antigen in the bloodstream.A PSA above 4.0 ng/mL is generally considered to be elevated.Since prostate cancer increases the PSA level as the cancer progresses doctors generally advice a biopsy if the PSA test comes back abnormally high.When a factor other than prostate cancer causes the PSA level to raise the elevated PSA is called a "false positive."A biopsy has risks, such as the risk of infection and the risk of excessive bleeding.Given these two facts some doctors advise that male patients follow a plan of "watchful waiting."Under such a plan the doctor monitors the patient's elevated PSA over a period of months or years.During this time some doctors advise that the patient try non cancer related treatments, for example, for infection, under the theory that if the PSA is elevated for a reason other than prostate cancer such treatments may bring the PSA back to normal levels.
The danger with doing this is that the physician may wait too long before ordering any tests to determine whether the high PSA level is due to prostate cancer.If waiting results in the spread of the cancer beyond the prostate capsule then the patient will no longer have treatment options that can eliminate and cure the cancer.For patients whose cancer is detected while contained within the capsule, the likelihood is better than 90 percent that they will still be alive 5 years after diagnosis.The percentage is lower for the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer.This measure is referred to as the 5-year survival rate.
If prostate cancer is detected while still contained within the capsule, the patient's 5 year survival rate will generally be above 90 percent.The statistics are lower for the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer.The 5 year survival rate is a statistical indicator of the percentage of patients who survive the disease for at least five years after diagnosis.Treatment for early stage prostate cancer includes surgery (radical prostatectomy) to remove prostate.Other options include radiation therapy (either external beam therapy or interstitial therapy).Given high 5 year survival rates associated with early state prostate cancer, it is generally considered curable when diagnosed and treated early.
After the cancer spreads beyond the capsule, the 5-year survival rates drop significantly.
In general, once the cancer reaches to stage 3 the patient has about a 50-50 percent chance that the cancer will progress.If the cancer is already at stage 4 when the diagnosis is made, the patient generally only has a 2-3 year life expectancy.
Treatment options may include hormone therapy, radiation therapy, orchiectomy (the surgical removal of the testicles), and possibly chemotherapy. In time, treatment may cease to be effective if the cancer continues to progress.When treatment ceases to be effective, prostate cancer is fatal.This year, approximately 27,000 men will die in the U.S. from advanced prostate cancer.
This is why doctors generally recommend that a biopsy should be ordered if a male patient's blood test shows a PSA level above 4.0 ng/ml.A biopsy is a procedure, normally performed under local anesthesia, whereby a probe is inserted into the rectum.The probe contains a needle which is used to take samples of the prostate tissue.Because the biopsy consists of samples, it is possible that the biopsy may yield a false negative, missing the cancer.This is why doctors also generally recommend that biopsies be repeated every few months if the PSA levels remain elevated, even after treatment for other possible causes.
If you or a member of your family were among those whose physician delayed the diagnosis of prostate cancer until it was at an advanced stage, you should immediately contact a competent medical malpractice attorney.The physician may be liable under a medical malpractice claim.
This article is meant for general educational purposes only.It is not meant as medical or legal advice.Do not act or refrain from acting based upon the information in this article.Consult with your doctor about any concerns you may have regarding prostate cancer.And consult with a medical malpractice attorney regarding any questions you may have concerning a delay in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.
by:Joseph Hernandez