Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers in the male population. About 13% of all males will be diagnosed with this disease at some point in their lives. As of 2021, an estimated 3.4 million men were living with the disease.[1]
Prostate cancer is a relatively slow-progressing type of cancer and is highly treatable when caught early. Unfortunately, a significant amount of men are diagnosed with the disease late – allowing the cancer to develop and metastasize. Patients who are misdiagnosed due to medical negligence may seek legal compensation to ensure that they get access to all medical and personal needs.
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What is Metastatic Prostate Cancer?
Metastatic prostate cancer represents the most advanced stage of the disease. It is also referred to as Stage 4 Prostate Cancer. At this stage cancer cells have already spread (metastasized) outside the prostate and into distant parts of the body – such as the bones and other internal organs.
Symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer can vary depending on what area the cancer has spread to. Say for example, the cancer has metastasized to the lungs, then the patient might feel constant breathlessness. Some of the more general symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer include:[2]
- Bone pain
- Constant fatigue
- Feeling generally unwell
- Drastic unexplained weight loss
Patient denial can be a reason why prostate cancer can metastasize before diagnosis. At the same time, professional negligence from medical providers can also lead to such unfortunate outcomes. Patients diagnosed late due to negligence are entitled to compensation through a medical malpractice claim.
Metastatic Prostate Cancer Stages
According to the American Cancer Society, stage 4 prostate cancer can be further subdivided into two distinct categories. They are:
Stage 4A – means the cancer has spread only to nearby lymph nodes, but hasn't traveled to distant parts of the body. The size of the tumor and other measures don't affect this classification.
Stage 4B – means the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body (like bones or organs), regardless of tumor size or lymph node involvement.
Where Can Prostate Cancer Spread?
Prostate cancer typically metastasizes through two main pathways: the lymphatic system and the bloodstream. As cancer cells break away from the primary tumor, they enter these pathways and travel to distant sites. Cancer cells then settle in various sites, forming new tumors that disrupt normal organ function.
Prostate cancer commonly metastasizes to the following areas:[2]
- Bones (i.e., spine, pelvis, ribs, skull)
- Lymph nodes
- Liver
- Lungs
- Bladder
- Bowel
A recent study found that about 20% of patients with prostate cancer are only diagnosed after the disease is allowed to metastasize. While treatments for prostate cancer have improved over the last decade (and therefore survival rates also), spread to internal organs generally presents worse outcomes compared to other cancer cases.[3]
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What is the Survival Rate of Metastatic Prostate Cancer?
The 5-year relative survival rates (percentage of living patients after 5 years) for prostate cancer stages are as follows:
| STAGE | 5-Year Relative Survival |
| Localized (Stage 1 or 2) | 99+% |
| Regional (Stage 3) | 99+% |
| Metastatic (Stage 4) | 36.6% |
The figures provided above show how slowly prostate cancer can develop. But when allowed to metastasize, the disease is highly fatal. At the same time, treatments for prostate cancer are naturally more aggressive and comprehensive – and therefore more expensive.
By being put in such disadvantageous positions, prostate cancer patients who were initially misdiagnosed may get compensated by filing their malpractice claim – wherein all economic and non-economic damages are accounted for.
According to the National Practitioner Data Bank, in 2023, medical malpractice cases in New York were settled at about $491,316 on average. However, based on our experience, cases involving cancer misdiagnosis are compensated with much more. For actual compensation figures, please refer to our previous wins.
Speak to a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven medical malpractice lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances. We operate on a contingency basis, meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. This approach allows us to better support those in need.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.
