The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. It produces fluid for semen. The prostate is a small organ which is located just below the bladder.
As men get older, the prostate may increase in size. An increase in the size of the prostate may interfere with urine flow or make the urine flow weaker or slower.
There are certain diseases of the prostate in addition to cancer. Benign prostate hyperplasia, or “BPH,” which is the enlargement of the prostate, typically occurs in men after the age of 50. BPH is not a form of cancer, but it can interfere with urine flow. There are non-surgical and surgical treatments for BPH.
The careful and safe physician can frequently diagnose an enlarged prostate through a digital rectal exam which should be part of a routine physical examination.
In addition to a physical examination, the safe and careful physician will often order blood testing to determine the level of antigens which may be associated with the detection of prostate cancer.
The early detection of prostate cancer is significant to both treatment and prognosis. Generally speaking, the earlier prostate cancer is diagnosed, the more favorable the cure rate is.
For any individual assessed as being at risk for prostate cancer, the careful and safe physician will perform a digital rectal examination along with PSA blood testing.
If these tests raise the level of suspicion that prostate cancer may be present, the careful and safe physician will typically perform a prostate biopsy.
A delay in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer can directly lead to the cancer spreading from the prostate gland itself into other organs of the body. Once metastasis of prostate cancer occurs, treatment becomes more involved and the patient’s prognosis becomes much worse.
A physician can diagnose enlarged prostate through a digital rectal exam which typically occurs during a routine physical examination. In addition to a physical examination, doctors will often order blood work to check the level of antigens which may be associated with detection of prostate cancer.
Early detection of prostate cancer is significant to the treatment and prognosis. The earlier prostate cancer is detected, the more favorable the cure rate is.
As part of a proper work-up for prostate cancer, the physician must perform a digital rectal examination along with the PSA blood work.
If these tests raise the level of suspicion that prostate cancer may be present, the doctor may suggest the need for a biopsy. A biopsy is the definitive method of diagnosing prostate cancer. If there is a delay in diagnosis, it can result in the cancer spreading from the prostate gland itself into other organs. If there is spread (known as metastasis), then the treatment becomes more involved. Unfortunately, if there is spread of the cancer, the prognosis becomes worse.
The Law Firm of Dugan, Babij, Tolley & Kohler, LLC has extensive experience in representing families whose loved ones have been grievously injured or died as a result of medical malpractice associated with the failure to diagnose and treat prostate cancer.