Prostate size/measurement confusion

Posted by oldoz @oldoz, Dec 6, 2024

Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer following a Biopsy in June 2023, done by local Urologist.
Was under Active Surveillance prior because of rising PSA. Urologist recommended continuing Surveillance.

Looking for information to help me understand prostate size, because I’m confused?
11/16/20 - 10 grams heavily calcified prostate - local Urologist based on an Ultrasound
06/05/23 - 20 grams normal sized prostate - local Urologist based on Ultrasound
11/16/23 - 20 gram prostate - report by local Urologist following a Ultrasound Needle Biopsy (Gleason 3+4 in 4 of the 12 samples)
08/13/24 - small prostate 16cc - measures 3.7 x 2.8 x 3.1 cm Radiology Report following local hospital MRI
11/27-24 - volume 15.3cc - Mayo Radiologist Summary report based on the MRI CD done at my local hospital
I don’t understand the different types of size measurements grams, centimeters, cc’s, volume?
I read somewhere online that a Prostatectomy can sometimes be a problem if a patient has a smaller prostate, because margins are small?
Mayo/Phoenix Urologist I saw last month ordered a new Biopsy and other tests to be done at Mayo, then a follow-up video appointment in January.
My confidence level on evaluation and treatment has gone up since some of you previously recommended Mayo to me.
Should probably have done it a couple years ago. Thanks.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

oldoz | @oldoz | Dec 20, 2024

In reply to @colleenyoung "@oldoz, just checking in. How are you doing? When will you be having more testing at..." + (show)

More Testing January 2nd and 3rd in Phoenix. Follow-up with the Urologist January 10th. They wanted a couple Urine tests done prior, which I got done at the local hospital today, and will follow-up next week to make sure Mayo received them. Urine flow seems like it is getting worse (primarily difficult starting) as each week goes by, even though I'm maxed out on the oral meds. Although cancer is clearly a concern, not being able to very effectively empty my bladder is a daily concern, especially at night.

retireditguy | @retireditguy | Dec 22, 2024

In reply to @oldoz "More Testing January 2nd and 3rd in Phoenix. Follow-up with the Urologist January 10th. They wanted..." + (show)

I'm not a medical professional and I certainly don't know which treatment will be best for you, but I do want to share one unexpected positive side effect I've had from PCa treatment. I had NS RARP at Mayo Phoenix 6 months ago. Although I was essentially continent right after the catheter came out, I did have a few accidents as I figured out the new normal. For the first 4 months or so I'd get up multiple times a night to urinate. I think part of this was my lack of confidence in my ability to hold it. But ever so slowly, things have gotten better and my confidence has greatly improved. At this point, I usually only get up 1 or 2 times a night, even when I sleep 8 hours. My sexual recovery is still a work in progress and far from pre-surgery, but my overall urination capability is much better than before. I urinate easily, empty my bladder, and sleep better. I have no idea if this result is common or rare, but for me this part of my life is actually much better post surgery than it was before. As an aside, I did Kegals before surgery and resumed them when they let me after the catheter came out. I don't know if they help, but I think they do. That said, I believe having an experienced surgeon at a cancer center of excellence was probably the most significant factor in my good result. Whatever treatment option you choose, I think your decision to go to a cancer center of excellence was a good decision. Best wishes.