Generally, metastatic prostate cancer identifies that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland and has reached other portions of the body, frequently the bones in the lower back, pelvic area or upper legs.  This is the most advanced stage of the cancer.  By the time it reaches this level, there is no known cure.  This is different from the early stages, prior to the cancer advancing beyond the gland, when there is a very high likelihood of a cure.  The primary question changes at this advanced stage.  Now the important question is how long treatments, which might include hormonal therapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can help to temporarily stop or at least impede the continuing progression on the cancer.

Prostate cancer has a very high cure rate if it is discovered and treated in the early stages, prior to metastasizing.  Since the cancer tends to not have severe symptoms in the early stages, screening tests for males without any symptoms are used to diagnose it early.  The two main tests used are the physical examination of the prostate gland and the PSA blood test.  Should either come back abnormal most physicians concur that there should be follow up which can include a referral to a specialist, like a Urologist, and a biopsy to check samples from the prostate gland for signs of cancer.

The problem is that all too frequently doctors either do not go over screening tests with men or overlook abnormal test results until the cancer spreads.  When this happens the individual may have a medical malpractice lawsuit against that physician.  People with a delayed diagnosis of advanced colon cancer or advanced breast cancer whose doctors failed to stick to the appropriate screening guidelines for those cancers might also have a medical malpractice lawsuit against the responsible doctor.

You should not take any of the material in this post as medical advice.  If you have any issues regarding your health you should immediately consult a doctor.  Similarly, in the event that you think you might have a medical malpractice claim, because the law limits the time you have in which to pursue any such claim , you should contact a lawyer right away.

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