The patient, age 65, went to his doctor in Florida in order to stop smoking. The doctor ordered, among other tests, a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test to screen for prostate cancer. The test revealed a PSA level of 119 – a high level and very suspicious of prostate cancer. The patient was not informed of the test results. The doctor requested a repeat study and noted in the patient’s chart that he would be referred to a urologist for treatment if the repeat study remained elevated. A second test revealed a PSA level of 125. The patient, again, was not informed of the test results and no treatment was provided. The patient returned to his doctor approximately 10 months later with complaints consistent with advanced prostate cancer. Prostate adenocarcinoma was diagnosed, with a Gleason score of 10.
We do not know the prognosis for the patient but I assure you it is not good. The medical negligence suit against the doctor was settled for a confidential amount.
What does real life story tell us? Find out the results of all blood and laboratory tests. Research what the results mean. Ask your doctor to discuss with you the significance of any abnormal results. DON’T ASSUME YOUR DOCTOR IS ALWAYS DOING HIS/HER JOB!