An elevated or quickly rising PSA could indicate that a man has prostate cancer  and thus doctors generally advise that a patient with a high or quickly rising PSA have a biopsy.  There are, however, two main issues with a biopsy.  First a biopsy samples only a portion of the prostate.  It it may happen that the a biopsy might yield a false negative and not catch the cancer.  Second, biopsies have risks, including the danger of infection and the risk of excessive bleeding. 

Given of these two factors some physicians to advise that male patients who have an elevated PSA follow a plan of “watchful waiting.”  This is a method by which the doctor periodically checks the individual’s raised PSA over a period of months or years.  During this time a number of doctors advise that the individual try non cancer related therapies, for example, for infection, based on the possibility that if the PSA is elevatedhigh because of an underlying reason besides prostate cancer such treatments might return the PSA back to normal levels. 

What can go wrong with this approach?  The  physician may too much time go by without recommending a biopsy.  As the PSA increases the probability grows that the rising levels are due to prostate cancer, as does the possibility that the cancer has progress beyond the capsule resulting in a diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer.  

If a physician, by suggesting that the man wait before undergoing diagnostic testing, leads to a situation where the cancer propagate and reaches an advanced stage, a cancer attorney can help you decide whether you may be able to successfully pursue medical negligence claim against that doctor.

The preceeding is basically basic information that is easily obtainable and is intended for elementary educational purposes only.  The above is not medical advice.  Confer with with a doctor if you have any health related issues and prior to accepting any medical advice.  In addition, the above is also not legal advice.  Check with an attorney about any potential legal concerns.