Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men in the United States, and early detection is often key to effective treatment. Despite its prevalence, the disease is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed, especially when initial symptoms are subtle. Failure to identify the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer in a timely manner can lead to devastating consequences, including the progression of the disease to an advanced and incurable stage. If you suffered harm due to a delayed prostate cancer diagnosis or mismanagement of your condition, you may have grounds to pursue a medical malpractice claim, and you should talk to an attorney. The skilled Syracuse medical malpractice lawyers of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano, LLP Cancer Lawyers proudly advocate for people harmed by negligent medical care, and if we represent you, we will diligently pursue any damages you may be owed. We help victims and their families seek justice throughout Syracuse, Rochester, and the rest of Upstate New York.

The signs and symptoms of prostate cancer can vary significantly depending on the stage of the disease. In its early phases, prostate cancer may present few, if any, symptoms. However, once the cancer begins to grow or spread, patients may experience frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping urine flow, pain during urination or ejaculation, blood in the urine or semen, and lower back, pelvic, or hip pain. These symptoms should prompt immediate evaluation, especially in men over 50 or those with risk factors such as African American heritage or a family history of the disease.

Unfortunately, physicians may dismiss or misattribute these symptoms, delaying a diagnosis that could have been made earlier with appropriate testing. Common diagnostic tools include the prostate-specific antigen test and a digital rectal exam, both of which should be utilized when clinical indications are present. When doctors fail to investigate the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer or delay ordering follow-up imaging or biopsy, the cancer may spread to the bones, lymph nodes, or other organs, significantly reducing the patient’s chances of survival. These delays can turn a treatable disease into a terminal one. The emotional and physical toll on patients and their families is often immense and, in many cases, entirely preventable.

Patients harmed by a failure to recognize the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer have the right to pursue medical malpractice claims against the providers who caused their harm. Generally, these claims are based on the legal theory of negligence. Under New York law, to show a defendant’s negligence, a plaintiff must first show that the defendant owed them a duty of care and that the defendant breached the duty owed.

In the treatment context, physicians owe a duty to their patients to provide care that aligns with the standards accepted by the medical community. A breach of this duty occurs when a provider fails to do what a reasonably competent practitioner would have done under similar circumstances. This may include dismissing urinary complaints in an at-risk patient, failing to follow up on an abnormal PSA result, or delaying the scheduling of a biopsy despite concerning findings.

To succeed in showing the defendant’s negligence, the plaintiff must also demonstrate causation by proving that the defendant’s actions or inactions caused the plaintiff’s harm. This typically requires expert testimony from an oncologist or urologist who can explain how an earlier diagnosis could have led to more effective treatment, reduced suffering, or improved survival rates.

Damages in these cases often include both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages may involve medical expenses, lost wages, the cost of future treatment, and diminished earning capacity. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life. In the most severe cases, particularly those involving wrongful death, damages may also include funeral expenses and the loss of financial support for surviving family members.

When doctors fail to detect the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, the consequences can be tragic and irreversible. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a delayed diagnosis or inadequate treatment of prostate cancer, you may be owed damages, and you should speak with an attorney regarding your potential claims. The experienced Syracuse medical malpractice lawyers of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano, LLP Cancer Lawyers, understand the complexities of cancer litigation, and if we represent you, we will fight tirelessly in pursuit of justice for you and your loved ones. Our primary office is in Syracuse, and we represent clients in Syracuse, Rochester, and communities across Upstate New York. To arrange a free and confidential consultation, call us at 833-200-2000 or contact us online today.