Breast Cancer Malpractice Attorneys
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. According to the National Cancer Institute, diagnosis rates for breast cancer have increased in recent years but fortunately the overall breast cancer death rate has dropped steadily since the 1990s.
Early detection and treatment allows many patients to successfully recover from the disease, but getting diagnosed as soon as possible is crucial. If you believe that medical malpractice has kept you or a loved one from receiving adequate and timely breast cancer treatment, a breast cancer malpractice lawyer can help.
Cervical Cancer Attorneys
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens at the top of the vagina.
Cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer in women worldwide.
Prostate Cancer Malpractice Attorneys
Prostate cancer is now one of the most common types of cancers in men and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men in the United States. Prostate cancer is curable if it is found and treated early.
In the late 1980′s, PSA tests were developed. The PSA test is a simple blood test, done as part of a routine checkup, to detect the prostrate – specific antigen, chemicals released only by the prostate into the blood. Too much of the chemical is a warning sign to doctors. An elevated PSA may be a sign of a benign, enlarged prostate, or it may be a sign of cancer. Prostate cancer can only be diagnosed through a biopsy, allowing a pathologist to see cancer cells.
The other main diagnostic test for an enlarged prostate, from benign causes or from cancer, is a digital rectal exam, allowing the doctor to feel the patient’s prostate through the thin wall of the rectum to try to find abnormal lumps or hard masses.
Both tests should be done as part of a routine annual physical. The PSA test is given starting at age 50, except for certain high risk patients, who should begin PSA testing even earlier.
If either are abnormal, referral to a urologist is appropriate. Depending on the circumstances, an ultrasound and/or biopsy may be performed. If prostate cancer is found, surgery is often recommended to remove the prostate. Newer nerve-sparing techniques often result in surgery having fewer side effects.