When you go to the doctor, you expect that he or she will listen to your concerns and provide you with adequate medical care based on your needs. This means that you can expect your doctor to administer tests, listen as you explain your symptoms and take your case seriously. Failure to provide this type of care and act with a certain concern toward patient needs can result in undiagnosed medical conditions that eventually worsen to the point where they cause serious patient harm.
Certain types of cancer can be difficult to diagnose, and this can result in a major progression of the disease. Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that can often go undiagnosed for many reasons, including the fact that there may be few signs of a problem in the early stages of the disease. However, it is also easy to overlook seemingly small medical concerns, and doctors may dismiss certain symptoms as they could seem minor at first.
Signs of a serious medical problem
In its earliest stages, prostate cancer may have no detectable signs or symptoms. However, at the first sign of a possible medical issue, it is in your interests to seek insight regarding a possible diagnosis and appropriate treatment of any issue. Signs that may indicate prostate cancer include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bone pain
When left untreated, prostate cancer can progress to the point where it begins to affect other parts of the body. When cancer metastasizes, which means spreads to other parts of the body, it can make it much more difficult to effectively treat. It can also cause permanent damage to certain parts of the body and their functions. Early intervention is not only critical for the treatment of the cancer, but also for your long-term quality of life.
A missed prostate cancer diagnosis
An Oregon doctor has an obligation to provide each patient with quality care that meets a certain standard. If your doctor initially missed your cancer diagnosis, delayed your treatment or made decisions that ultimately led to the worsening of your medical condition, there are legal options available to you. If you believe that your doctor negligently acted in a way that caused medical suffering, you may have grounds for a malpractice claim. An evaluation of your situation can provide you with insight regarding your specific legal options.