Prostate Cancer Misdiagnosis - Medical Negligence
The prostate is a small gland which is part of the male reproductive system. Early prostate cancer produces no obvious symptoms which only occur when the cancer causes enlargement which puts pressure on the urethra producing urinary difficulties. Prostate cancer is very slow growing and it may be many years after the problem is present until the symptoms become obvious. It is at this stage that most men seek medical advice although there are other medical conditions which also cause urinary restriction which does open the possibility of misdiagnosis of prostate cancer and medical negligence. The symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty in passing urine, passing urine more frequently than usual, especially at night, pain when passing urine and blood in the urine.
CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE SOLICITORS FREE HELPLINE 1800 339 353
Diagnosis
The main tests used to diagnose prostate cancer involve digital rectal examination and a PSA blood test. Further confirmation may involve trans-rectal ultrasound scans and a biopsy. All of the following tests have room for error, some more than others, which may result in misdiagnosis :-
Digital Rectal Examination is carried out by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate which will be hard and knobbly if cancer is present.
PSA Test is a blood test that identifies the presence of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) which in high levels may indicate prostate cancer.
Trans-Rectal Ultrasound Scan uses a rectal probe to build an image of the prostate sufficient to identify anomalies indicative of prostate cancer
Biopsy involves removal of a small tissue sample by the use of a small needle inserted into the prostate via the rectum.