Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Attorneys Who Represent You When Prostate Cancer Misdiagnosis Results in Delayed Treatment
Demanding that Maryland oncologists and clinics provide quality care
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 238,590 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed and 29,720 men will die of the disease in the United States in 2013. However, since LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. began practicing over three decades ago, diagnostic tests and treatment options have improved exponentially. It is now possible to catch prostate cancer at its earliest stages — sometimes before symptoms even appear. Advancements in treatment options also increase the chances of survival and even curing the disease.
The importance of early diagnosis
According to the American Cancer Society, about one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point. What happens next depends on a number of factors. Of primary importance is at what stage the disease is detected. The percentage of men who survive for at least five years, including those who are completely cured of the disease and live much longer, after receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis is:
- Nearly 100 percent at the local stage — No cancer has spread beyond the prostate at stages I and II.
- Nearly 100 percent at the regional stage — Cancer, including some stage III and IV cancers, has spread to nearby areas.
- 28 percent at the distant stage — Stage IV cancers have spread to lymph nodes, bones and other organs throughout the body.
Cancer misdiagnosis can delay detection until the distant stage when chances of survival diminish drastically.
Prostate screening
With these simple tests, doctors can make the initial life-saving diagnosis of early-stage prostate cancer:
- PSA — Measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen in a man’s blood
- DRE — Involves a physical examination of the rectal gland
Because systems of prostate cancer may not manifest at the local stage, the American Cancer Society recommends timelines for conducting these crucial tests in men at average or high risk of developing the disease. If your doctor’s failure to follow these standard guidelines denied you the opportunity to receive crucial treatment, you may have a medical malpractice claim.
Maryland Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Recover the Maximum Compensation Available for Delayed Treatment of Your Prostate Cancer
For more information about prostate cancer misdiagnosis claims, call Maryland medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact our firm online to schedule your free initial consultation. Our Baltimore medical malpractice law firm represents clients on a contingency-fee basis. Our firm is available by phone 24-hours a day.
