Prostate Cancer Misdiagnosis   

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, with early detection playing a critical role in successful treatment. When caught in its early stages, prostate cancer is often highly treatable, but a delayed or missed diagnosis can lead to the disease becoming more advanced with limited treatment options. The consequences of medical malpractice or prostate cancer misdiagnosis can be life-altering, resulting in prolonged suffering, more aggressive treatments, or worse outcomes.

Common Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer often presents with symptoms that can initially seem mild or unrelated to a serious condition. Common signs include frequent urination, particularly at night, difficulty starting or stopping urination, and a weak or interrupted urine flow, per the Mayo Clinic. Some men may also notice blood in their urine or semen, persistent pelvic discomfort, or pain during ejaculation.

These symptoms are frequently mistaken for less severe conditions, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or normal aging-related changes. This misinterpretation can delay diagnosis, which can allow the cancer to progress to more advanced stages.

Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

Diagnosing prostate cancer typically involves a combination of tests, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, biopsies, and imaging studies, according to the National Library of Medicine. PSA tests measure the levels of a protein produced by the prostate gland, which can indicate cancer when elevated. Biopsies and imaging, such as MRIs or CT scans, are used to confirm the presence of cancer and assess its progression. Some of the most common diagnostic errors our clients have been forced to contend with include:

Prostate Cancer Misdiagnosis: Protect Your Health and Your Future

How Prostate Cancer Misdiagnoses Happen

Prostate cancer misdiagnoses often occur due to medical negligence, flawed testing processes, or a lack of follow-up care. When healthcare providers fail to identify risk factors or properly interpret test results, they delay critical diagnoses and treatments.

These errors can lead to advanced cancer progression, more aggressive treatments, and significantly poorer outcomes for patients. Fortunately, you may have grounds for legal action against those responsible when you pursue a personal injury claim in civil court.

Delayed or Missed Screenings

Delayed or missed screenings are one of the most common reasons for prostate cancer misdiagnoses. Many cases begin with a failure to recommend PSA testing for patients with known risk factors, such as a family history of prostate cancer or being over the age of 50. Doctors may also fail to follow up on abnormal screening results.

Misinterpretation of Test Results

The misinterpretation of test results is another significant factor in prostate cancer misdiagnoses. False negatives in PSA tests or improper analysis of biopsy samples can lead to missed or incorrect diagnoses. According to a 2023 report by the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 10% of prostate cancer cases are initially undiagnosed due to errors in testing or interpretation.

Failure to Refer to Specialists

General practitioners play a critical role in recognizing when symptoms or test results warrant further investigation by a specialist. However, some fail to refer patients to urologists or oncologists when warning signs, such as elevated PSA levels or persistent urinary issues, are present.

Contact a High-Powered Medical Malpractice Attorney for Help Today

When a misdiagnosis of prostate cancer has delayed your treatment or worsened your condition, you deserve a powerful representative to advocate for your right to maximum compensation. Your trial-tested medical malpractice lawyer in Portland from Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC will evaluate the individual details of your case to determine what your next steps should be. Contact us by calling our office or completing our convenient contact form to schedule your free consultation today.