question:do you need a rectal exam after a prostatectomy or radiation for prostate cancer?


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Rosamond Johnson

Search questions on my blog offer a nice glimpse at the issues that concern prostate cancer patients. Here’s another one.

Probably not. After you have been  treated, the PSA which is a bit erratic before the treatment of prostate cancer, is very accurate in determining the recurrence of prostate cancer.

If your PSA is very low after whatever treatment you pursue, the likelihood of there being an abnormality of the prostate or prostate fossa (if you had your prostate removed) would be rare and clinically insignificant.

However if the patient is having symptoms referable to the rectal area and the PSA is high, then there may be an issue with local recurrence in that area that may warrant attention.

In the case of recurrence after prostatectomy, radiation may be considered.

In the case of recurrence after radiation, initiation of hormonal therapy may be considered.

One Reply to “question:do you need a rectal exam after a prostatectomy or radiation for prostate cancer?”

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