Early Detection of Prostate Cancer Through PSA

The failure to make a diagnosis or identify cancer is the most frequent medical malpractice claim in the United States. Prostate cancer is the most common nondermatologic cancer, as well as the second most common cause of death from cancer in men.

Nearly 200,000 cases are diagnosed in the U.S. every year, and every year over 15,000 men will die from prostate cancer. Due to the heightened concern for men, many physicians are now frequently using the prostate-specific-antigen (PSA) test to screen for prostate cancer.

The Prostate-Specific-Antigen (PSA) Test

The PSA test is a controversial issue in the medical field today, with the debate resting primarily on whether PSA testing provides more benefit than harm. PSA screening is used as a diagnostic tool for early detection of prostate cancer. Some physicians recommend routine screening, while others recommend against routine PSA screening, and still other physicians say the decision to administer the PSA testing should be left up to the patient.

How the PSA Test is Evaluated

PSA is a naturally occurring chemical in the body. However, PSA levels increase when an individual has prostate cancer. After a PSA test result returns abnormal, a successive biopsy usually confirms that approximately 20% of abnormal PSA levels are due to the presence of prostate cancer.

Medical Malpractice and Prostate Cancer

Medical malpractice by physicians for prostate cancer claims can include:

• Failing to perform a routine prostate examination
• Failing to perform a PSA test
• Failing to perform a biopsy when a routine examination or PSA test results are abnormal
• Misinterpreting PSA test results