Undergoing prostate surgery is a significant step in a man’s journey to treat prostate cancer or other prostate-related conditions. After surgery, many men assume their worries are behind them, but follow-up care remains crucial. Even when the prostate gland has been completely removed—a procedure known as a radical prostatectomy—men still need regular PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) tests.Here’s why post-surgery PSA tests are vital to maintaining long-term health and preventing future complications:
1. Monitoring for Recurrence
After prostate surgery, PSA levels should drop to nearly undetectable levels since the prostate gland, which produces PSA, has been removed. However, a rising PSA level post-surgery can be a signal of recurring cancer. This could occur if small amounts of cancerous cells were left behind locally or in distant tissues. By regularly monitoring PSA levels, doctors can catch any signs of recurrence early and provide timely intervention, whether through radiation, hormone therapy, or other treatments.
2. Metastasis Detection
Prostate cancer can spread to other areas of the body, even after the prostate has been removed. Cancer cells can continue producing PSA if they have traveled to distant organs or bones. Follow-up PSA tests can serve as an early warning sign that the cancer has metastasized. Detecting this spread early offers more treatment options, improving the chance of managing the disease effectively.
3. Ensuring Complete Recovery
PSA testing helps ensure your body is healing as expected. In the months and years following prostate removal, your doctor will want to confirm that PSA levels remain low, which indicates that the surgery successfully removed all cancerous tissues. If PSA levels remain undetectable over time, it offers reassurance that you are on the right track toward recovery.
4. A Proactive Approach to Health
Even when things seem normal, staying proactive with regular PSA tests can provide peace of mind. Many men find comfort in knowing they are closely monitoring their health and doing everything possible to avoid potential issues. It’s a way to stay connected to your medical team and ensure you remain on top of your post-surgical health.
5. Guiding Future Treatment Plans
PSA tests provide valuable information to your healthcare provider. Should PSA levels begin to rise, it allows your doctor to develop an appropriate action plan. This might include additional treatments such as radiation or hormone therapy or further diagnostic tests to pinpoint the cause. With regular PSA testing, potential problems may be noticed once they become more serious.
How Often Should PSA Tests Be Done?
The frequency of PSA testing after prostate removal will depend on your circumstances, including your cancer stage, overall health, and post-surgery PSA levels. Generally, men are advised to initially have PSA tests every few months, then reduce the frequency as time passes and their PSA levels remain stable. However, be sure to follow the guidelines provided by your healthcare team.
Conclusion
While your prostate gland is no longer there, your health journey still continues. PSA tests are a vital part of ensuring that prostate cancer doesn’t come back or spread. Regular follow-up visits and PSA screenings empower you to stay informed and take control of your long-term health. Don’t view it as a chore but as a necessary step in keeping yourself healthy and cancer-free.Always ask your doctor about your appropriate follow-up care and testing schedule.Dr. David Samadiis the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board-certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of two books, Prostate Cancer, Now What? A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery, and The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.
