Like many other forms of cancer, prostate cancer can be successfully treated when – and this is key – it is caught early.

But doctors sometimes fail to recognize the warning signs of prostate cancer, fail to appropriately recommend their patient take a simple prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test that detects the presence of early prostate cancer or fails to note or realize that the PSA is elevated, resulting in a lengthy delay in diagnosing prostate cancer, which can prove fatal.

If you or a loved one suffered severe injury or death due to a delayed or missed diagnosis of prostate cancer, you should contact a prostate cancer attorney for a free evaluation of your case.

Kline & Specter, with more than 50 attorneys, five of whom are also highly skilled doctors, has the expertise to handle your prostate cancer case. Call 800-243-1100 or contact a prostate cancer lawyer today. An evaluation of your case will be conducted for free.

The firm is currently handling several prostate cancer cases.  In one case, the patient’s blood test showed a high level of PSA that was missed by his physicians, resulting in the delay in diagnosis of his prostate cancer until several years later.  In another case, a patient who had already been treated for prostate cancer had a recurrence of the cancer that should have been diagnosed and treated at an early stage based on his rising PSA, but was missed until it was too late, resulting in his death.

What is a PSA blood test?

A PSA blood test along with a rectal examination is generally recommended for patients older than 50 or earlier depending on their medical and family history. Many doctors also recommend a digital rectal exam to detect abnormalities of the prostate.

Prostate-specific antigen is a substance made by cells in the prostate gland. The chance of having prostate cancer goes up as the PSA level goes up, with the development of prostate cancer usually noted when the level goes above 4. (Although a lower level is not a guarantee that a man does not have prostate cancer.)

If your PSA level is high, your doctor may recommend repeating the test or getting a prostate biopsy to determine if you have cancer.
 
Are there symptoms of prostate cancer?

While there are often no early symptoms of prostate cancer, a tumor can cause the prostate to swell and the following warning signs may be noticed:

  • Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
  • Difficulty starting or stopping urination, or a weak or interrupted urinary stream
  • Leaking of urine when laughing or coughing
  • Inability to urinate standing up
  • A painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation
  • Blood in urine or semen

More advanced prostate cancer can produce unexplained weight loss, swelling of the legs, difficulty walking (sometimes with constipation) and chronic back, pelvis or bone pain.
 
What are the treatments for prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer can be successfully treated, especially if caught early. Treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, cryotherapy, hormonal therapy and radiation. One form of treatment involves implanting radioactive “seeds” into a patient’s prostate gland. 

Schedule a Consultation With a Prostate Cancer Lawyer

Kline & Specter PC, a Philadelphia-based law firm with 50 experienced attorneys, is ready to discuss your case and provide representation if you need it. Call us at 800-243-1100 to speak with an experienced Prostate Cancer attorney or complete an online contact form and our office will be in touch with you!