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I Had A Radical Prostatectomy Late 2017 Gleeson Score 8.
Question: I had a radical prostatectomy late 2017 Gleeson score 8. The first 3 PSA tests post surgery showed to be undetectable. My next 3 PSA levels were 0.1 beginning of May 2019; 0.2 beginning of August 2019; and 0.34 beginning October 2019. The doubling time is 3 months. I am now on hormone therapy to be followed by radiation therapy. My question is what in your opinion is the long term prognosis?
Brief Answer:
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Detailed Answer:
Hello Patlehy,
Your concern is understandable.
Long term prognosis is quite good in people on hormone treatment and regular follow-up after surgery.
You've not written which hormone you're taking and the dosage.
Your PSA is well within normal limits.
That's a very good indicator of a good prognosis
almost two years after surgery.
Check your PSA at 3-month intervals.
Of course, a clinical examination by your Urologist has no substitute.
Feel free to clear all your doubts.
Wishing you well.
Dr.Matthew J. Mangat.
Thanks for using Ask a Doctor.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Patlehy,
Your concern is understandable.
Long term prognosis is quite good in people on hormone treatment and regular follow-up after surgery.
You've not written which hormone you're taking and the dosage.
Your PSA is well within normal limits.
That's a very good indicator of a good prognosis
almost two years after surgery.
Check your PSA at 3-month intervals.
Of course, a clinical examination by your Urologist has no substitute.
Feel free to clear all your doubts.
Wishing you well.
Dr.Matthew J. Mangat.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
My PSA is within normal range for a person who has a prostate but because mine has been removed I thought my PSA should be undetectable after radical prostatectomy. But it is not and the fact it has returned and going upwards shows a biochemical recurrence with a doubling time of 3 months. The PSA cannot be within normal limits if it should be undetectable hence the reason for my treatment. The doubling time of 3 months is what concerns me and this is why I am asking for a long term prognosis.
Brief Answer:
Thanks for using Ask a Dr.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You've not given details about your stage of prostate gland cancer at the time of surgery.
Gleason's score was high on biopsy, as your Urologists would've told you.
You've been advised radiation therapy following hormone therapy and it carries almost curative outcome in low stage prostate cancer.
PSA is also produced by local recurrence, which the Urologist will decide on further testing after examining you.
The tests done are usually a bone scan and an MRI scan of the pelvis or even a PET scan.
PSA is checked every 3-months for first two years, which you don't seem to have followed.
So now follow your Urologists' advice and contact me for any doubts you may have.
Should you've any doubts, kindly send the information about the treatment taken so far.
Wishing you well.
Dr.Matthew J. Mangat.
Thanks for using Ask a Dr.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You've not given details about your stage of prostate gland cancer at the time of surgery.
Gleason's score was high on biopsy, as your Urologists would've told you.
You've been advised radiation therapy following hormone therapy and it carries almost curative outcome in low stage prostate cancer.
PSA is also produced by local recurrence, which the Urologist will decide on further testing after examining you.
The tests done are usually a bone scan and an MRI scan of the pelvis or even a PET scan.
PSA is checked every 3-months for first two years, which you don't seem to have followed.
So now follow your Urologists' advice and contact me for any doubts you may have.
Should you've any doubts, kindly send the information about the treatment taken so far.
Wishing you well.
Dr.Matthew J. Mangat.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
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