Set Get Dot Org

For male patients and prostate cancer there are two tests that are commonly used by physicians for screening, even if they do not show signs of prostate cancer.  The first of these is the physical examination of the prostate gland.  This is done by inserting a gloved finger and feeling the prostate for any abnormalities, such as an enlarged, a hardened gland, or the existence of one or more nodules on the gland.  Any of these findings could be the result of prostate cancer.  The second test is a blood test which registers the volume of prostate specific antigen in the blood.  Because cancer of the prostate typically increase the quantity of antigen, an elevated amount could be due to prostate cancer.

Most doctors agree that an abnormal result from either or both of these tests needs to be followed by a referral to a specialist and diagnostic tests to determine whether the abnormal results are from prostate cancer or to some other factor.  The biopsy is the most frequently used diagnostic test by doctors.  If cancer is present the failure to refer the patient to a specialist and to order diagnostic testing could allow the cancer to grow and spread beyond the prostate gland into advanced prostate cancer.  This could, in turn, decrease treatment options and the chance for a cure.  If this happened to you or a family member a cancer lawyer or, in case the family member died of the prostate cancer, a wrongful death attorney may be able to be of assistance.