In this time, the man’s family physician had at various times noted a slight firmness on the left of the prostate and a PSA of 4.18 (a virtually doubling of the person’s PSA from two years earlier).  However, the doctor had not advised the patient that there were abnormal prostate cancer screening test results that were that raised suggested he had cancer, had not referred the man to a specialist, and had not ordered any diagnostic testing (such as a biopsy) to determine whether the abnormal test results were due to cancer or to a benign reason.  It was 3 years following the initial finding that the man’s doctor finally referred him to a Urologist (who found the cancer) after a PSA of 6.8.  By the time of the diagnosis, it turned out\ the the man had metastatic prostate cancer. The man went forward with a case against his family physician for the delayed diagnosis of the cancer.

The physician took the position that he had not gotten a copy of the PSA test and so he was not aware of the increase in the man’s PSA.  The doctor moreover  argued that the patient was not damaged (suffered no harm)  as a result of the delay.

The law firm that handled this lawsuit revealed that a settlement was reached with the physician. The reported amount of the settlement was $500,000.

The above is not meant as either medical or legal advice.  the preceeding is solely intended as common information.  Should you have any health concerns seek advice from a physician without delay.