Many patients seek a second opinion to determine whether they actually have prostate cancer. A research review reveals that 58% of patients received discrepancies in diagnoses. This means that their prior doctors may have committed diagnostic errors.
Prostate cancer diagnosis is prone to diagnostic errors that occur due to errors in testing or in assessing patients. These mistakes may lead to a late or missed cancer diagnosis, resulting in postponed treatment that can reduce the likelihood of curing prostate cancer.
For these reasons, it is crucial to obtain a second expert opinion to ensure that you are receiving the best care and to prevent prostate cancer from progressing. Below are additional compelling reasons to consider seeking a second opinion and the steps to take afterward:
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1. Gives You Different Perspectives on Diagnostic Results
Second opinions serve as a double-checking method for your prostate cancer diagnosis. They can confirm the initial doctor's words or sometimes lead to a new assessment. For instance, experts may interpret these various types of prostate screening differently:
| - Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test measures proteins made by cells in the prostate gland based on their levels. - Digital rectal exam (DRE) is used to feel for any bumps or hard areas on the prostate that might be cancer. - Prostate biopsy requires small samples of the prostate to be looked at under a microscope. |
These tests may sometimes not be perfect. PSA levels, in particular, can be elevated due to non-cancerous conditions, leading to false positives. That's why seeking a second opinion can help clarify if you have prostate cancer or determine the stage of cancer through other proven tests to prevent late diagnosis and treatment.
If a second opinion reveals that your prostate cancer was late or wrongly diagnosed earlier, and this should have been caught based on standard medical practices, you might want to talk to a prostate cancer lawyer to know your legal options.
2. Helps You Become Aware of Your Prostate Cancer
Besides undergoing screening tests, obtaining a second opinion can provide the opportunity to learn about the symptoms and treatment options from specialized doctors. It’ll help to prevent a late diagnosis and progression of prostate cancer.
| - A urologist has knowledge of the possible problems in the urinary tract and male reproductive system. |
| - A urologic oncologist specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers involving the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. |
| - A radiation oncologist can tell you about new radiation therapies to avert the advancement of your prostate cancer. |
| - A medical oncologist has general medical knowledge to suggest therapies for preventing the progression of prostate cancer. |
The different views of these medical professionals can help you better understand your diagnosis, know your risks, and see what might happen in the future. Expert knowledge can catch any overlooked parts of your condition, stopping a late-stage diagnosis.
3. Provides You with a Complete Prostate Cancer Assessment
Seeking a second opinion may also lead to consultation with medical professionals who perform a comprehensive medical evaluation. They’ll take into account family history and age, which can prevent a late prostate cancer diagnosis.
Contrary to common belief, prostate cancer is not exclusive to older men. In the United States, 10% of new diagnoses occur in men aged 55 and younger, highlighting the need for vigilance across age groups.
Family history also emerges as a factor in assessing prostate cancer risk. Men with a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer face more than double the risk of developing the disease themselves. Interestingly, the risk appears to be even higher for those with an affected brother compared to those with an affected father.
If your previous doctor has committed a late diagnosis of your prostate cancer where they did not conduct a complete medical workup which led to harm, you may have grounds for a malpractice lawsuit. Let our prostate cancer lawyers at the Porter Law Group guide you through this complicated process and give you the desired result.
How to Establish a Claim for a Late Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
A victim of a late prostate cancer diagnosis must have their medical malpractice lawyers prove these four key elements so they can make a claim valid:
| 1. Duty of Care – Was there an appropriate doctor-patient relationship? |
| 2. Breach of Duty – Did your doctor fail to uphold their legally sworn responsibilities? |
| 3. Causation – Did your doctor’s mistakes directly cause you suffering/injury? |
| 4. Damages – What did these mistakes cost you (medically, financially, emotionally, etc.)? |
After identifying and establishing these elements, one can initiate a medical malpractice lawsuit. However, proving these elements is not an easy task.
Our experienced trial attorneys can assist in gathering evidence, officially filing your case, and negotiating fair compensation for both your economic and non-economic damages.
Seeking Compensation After a Late Prostate Cancer Diagnosis?
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Medical errors allow cancer to progress – making the disease more difficult to battle for affected patients. Negligent doctors can be held liable for medical malpractice.
Any damages incurred (economic and non-economic) can be legally compensated. Please check our previous wins for more insight.
At the Porter Law Group, we take pride in helping families rebuild from unfavorable circumstances. If you have any questions regarding late cancer diagnosis or errors, please reach out for a no-obligation, free consultation. We operate on a contingency basis, meaning you don't have to pay anything unless we win. You may also contact us at 833PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule an appointment.
