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Should an Oncologist be involved?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Mar 15, 2023 | Replies (10)Comment receiving replies
I first had an MRI, then a biopsy. MRI showed lesions in 2 locations. 12 or 13 samples taken in the biopsy. I do know, my Urologist is specializing in Prostate Cancer, he does a hundred or so of removals every year. I am assuming therefore more biopsies than that each year. He thoroughly discussed radiation be. Removal with us. This process (as slow as it seems to go) is very mind boggling quick for decisions that need to be made. I do trust my urologist, at the same time my future quality of life is at stake.
Replies to "I first had an MRI, then a biopsy. MRI showed lesions in 2 locations. 12 or..."
Miami62:as a reference, Dr. Patel in Celebration,fl has done 18,000 prostate removals in his lifetime.
If your tag name is any indication, one of the six radiation oncologists I spoke with(5 out of 6 had slightly different suggestions and they each had 20+ years of experience), and liked, was at the Miami cancer institute, Dr Fernandes. They also have the MRIdian radiation machine.
My urologist had suggested radiation OR prostate removal to me. For me, there were more questions regarding quality of life with prostate removal but many had it done successfully, without BCR but many had recurrence.
Regarding radiation, a “thorough discussion” regarding radiation changed for me as I researched. 2 mm vs 4-6 mm margins and real time vs image comparing. These can make a big difference in your quality of life and it varies from machine to machine…cyber knife,MRIdian photon, proton therapy…
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An MRI of the prostate a piece of the clinical dta, what is not is a PSMA scan which may show prostate cancer outside the prostate, lymph nodes, bones, organs. If you decide on surgery, you want clinical data which to the best of modern medical technology, can confirm or deny it is confined to the prostate.
It can help this group form their responses if you include the pathology report.
Hundreds or so may not be an indicator of "experienced."
It's great that he discussed radiation with you, would it hurt to consult with a radiologist to get their perspective?
Quick for decisions, hmmm, with 6s and 7s, not sure you need to rush to make a decision. Maybe if the pathology report indicated GS 9 and 10, then yes, but still, consults with a radiologist and oncologist along with a 2nd opinion from another urologist may lead to the same decision, surgery, but you may be more comfortable with that decision having gathered data from other specialists and other treatment options.