At Weiss & Paarz, we pride ourselves on our expertise and comprehensive experience in filing, litigating, and obtaining compensation in lawsuits involving prostate cancer misdiagnosis and/or delayed diagnosis claims. Our dedicated team of attorneys is well-versed in the intricacies of medical negligence law, ensuring that each case is approached with the thoroughness and attention required to achieve maximum results.
We understand the profound impact a prostate cancer misdiagnosis can have on patients and their families, which is why we are committed to providing personalized legal representation. Our goal is to secure the justice and compensation you need to move forward, leveraging our legal experience to advocate effectively on your behalf. With Weiss & Paarz, you can trust that your case is in capable hands, guided by lawyers who are not only experts in their field but also deeply devoted to the clients they serve.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is a prevalent form of cancer in men, particularly those over the age of 50, and arises from the prostate gland responsible for seminal fluid production. It often progresses slowly and may not present with symptoms in its early stages, underscoring the importance of regular screenings for timely detection and treatment. High-risk groups, including African Americans and individuals with a family history of prostate cancer, should start screening earlier.
The effectiveness of treatment for prostate cancer is greatly enhanced by early diagnosis, with options including surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy, among others. Weiss & Paarz specializes in providing expert legal assistance for cases involving the misdiagnosis of prostate cancer or delayed treatment of prostate cancer, advocating for those affected to secure the justice and compensation they need.
Diagnosing Prostate Cancer
Diagnosing prostate cancer accurately is crucial for effective treatment and management. The process typically begins with two primary tests that can be conducted during a routine visit to a doctor’s office:
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: This blood test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate. Elevated levels can indicate prostate cancer or other prostate issues, though not exclusively.
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): In this physical examination, a healthcare provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland for any abnormalities in size, shape, or texture
While these tests are instrumental in the initial screening, further diagnostic tools may be employed for a conclusive diagnosis. These can include imaging tests like MRI and ultrasound, or a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken from the prostate for laboratory analysis. These additional steps help in determining the presence, stage, and aggressiveness of prostate cancer, guiding the most appropriate treatment path.
Types of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer mostly starts as glandular cancer, with the common type being adenocarcinoma, which grows in the gland cells. There’s also a less common type called ductal adenocarcinoma that starts in the ducts and can be more serious. Besides these, there are rare kinds of prostate cancer that don’t happen often but are important to know about.
It’s also key to know the difference between cancer coming back (recurrent cancer) and cancer that spreads (metastatic cancer). Recurrent means the cancer is back after treatment, while metastatic means it has spread to other parts of the body. Knowing the type of cancer each patient is suffering from helps doctors figure out the best way to treat it.
Prostate Cancer Misdiagnosis Facts
Misdiagnosis of prostate cancer is a critical issue that can lead to severe consequences for patients. It might mean that cancer goes undetected and becomes more advanced, or it could result in someone undergoing treatments they don’t need. These mistakes often stem from medical errors, leading to false positives that cause unnecessary stress, psychological distress, and physical harm that was preventable. Adding to the complexity, overdiagnosis occurs in up to 42% of prostate cancer cases, highlighting the importance of second opinions and specialist consultations for accurate diagnosis.
Key Prostate Cancer Statistics:
- An estimated 288,300 men in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023.
- Significant disparities exist in the incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer among different racial groups, with African American men experiencing higher rates than their counterparts.
- Overdiagnosis and misdiagnosis emphasize the need for improved screening and diagnostic practices.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Most men do not experience any symptoms in the very early stages, but a few will. These symptoms include:
- Frequent urination (especially at night)
- Weak or interrupted urination
- Difficulty starting urination
- Holding back urine
- Pain or burning during urination
- Frequent pain and/or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
- Erectile dysfunction
- Blood in urine or semen
- Painful ejaculation
Medical Mistakes Can Lead to Prostate Cancer Misdiagnosis
Here are some common medical mistakes and errors that can cause a preventable delay in diagnosing prostate cancer:
- Failure to offer or recommend routine prostate cancer screening
- Failure to offer or recommend early prostate cancer screening for men at increased risk
- Failure to order PSA testing
- Failure to perform DRE (digital rectal examination)
- Failure to adequately investigate suspicious findings
- Failure to properly follow up on PSA test results
- Failure to coordinate or communicate with other medical care providers
Injuries Caused by the Failure to Diagnose Prostate Cancer
Early detection of prostate cancer is life saving. It can also mean the possibility of nerve-sparing surgery, preventing sexual dysfunction and preserving quality of life. Misdiagnosis or delayed treatment can lead to much more aggressive treatment, including much more radical surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, and can result in death. Types of harm caused by delayed damage of prostate cancer include:
- Premature death
- Inoperable cancer
- Severe physical pain
- Loss of sexual function
- Scaring, disfigurement and loss of other organs
- Treatment which is more invasive, aggressive, and painful
- Treatment which is significantly more expensive
- Significantly increased recovery time
- Lost wages
- Long-term or permanent disability
How Weiss & Paarz Prostate Misdiagnosis Attorneys Can Help
No amount of money can make up for a man’s unnecessary or preventable death, or for the added pain of knowing that premature death would probably have been avoided had health care professionals acted properly. However, a man’s premature death creates a financial burden on families, and the responsible party should bear that cost. In addition, delayed treatment of prostate cancer creates additional health care costs, lost wages, and in some cases permanent disability.
If you or a loved one has been injured or lost their life due to what you suspect may have been a failure to diagnose prostate cancer, you may be entitled to compensation including:
- Current and future medical bills
- Current and future loss of wages
- Long-term disability
- Long-term care expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Burial expenses
Collectively, New Jersey medical malpractice lawyers Michael L. Weiss, Esq. and Robert E. Paarz, Esq. have presented over 15 medical malpractice cases relating to the failure to diagnose prostate cancer to juries and have helped many families achieve substantial financial recoveries. They are committed to using their knowledge and experience to help any individual or family who has suffered a severe, permanent injury or death due to medical malpractice to obtain fair compensation.
If you believe you or a loved one may have experienced such an injury, please contact Weiss & Paarz, P.C., today.