Delay in Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer Following High PSA Test

Our client was represented by Gemma Lewis, Partner and Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitor at MDS. The case was settled after negotiations with the Defendant, but liability was not admitted.

Speaking about the case after it settled, Gemma said “The failure to refer our client when his PSA level reached the threshold for referral was a basic error that should have been avoided. It is important for errors like this to be investigated and highlighted, so that the chances of it happening to other patients are reduced.”

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What Happened to Our Client?

Mr M was diagnosed with prostate cancer (cancer in the prostate gland, at the base of the bladder) in 2009. He was treated with radiotherapy and discharged in 2014. His GP was instructed to check his PSA levels every six months and refer Mr M if his PSA level rose to a value of 2, as this could have indicated a problem with the prostate or, possibly, return of the disease.

Mr M attended his GP surgery regularly for PSA tests. The level steadily increased over several years, and in December 2018, it was 1.9.  The GP did not take any action, despite the proximity of the PSA level to the value of 2. In May2019, the PSA level reached 2.7; however, Mr M was not referred back to his oncologist. In December 2019, the level was 3.7 and Mr M and his wife became concerned. He spoke to his GP, and it was realised that he needed to be referred because of the PSA level; however, he was referred to the Urology Clinic instead of the Oncology Department. He was eventually seen by Oncology in February2020.

Further investigations confirmed that prostate cancer had returned and was extending into the base of the penis,lymph nodes, bones, and chest. Mr M was informed that the cancer was not curable,and he started hormone therapy in June 2020 to focus on relieving the symptoms and controlling the spread of the disease. By this time, Mr M was experiencing constipation and stomach pains as the result of the cancer.

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