Urology Robotic Surgery at The Mount Kisco Medical Group --> Improving the Quality of Life --> 914-242-1520 : Surveillance After Treatment

What is the Prostate? • Overview • Risk Factors • Symptoms Caused By An Abnormal Prostate •
Early Detection • Diagnosis • What Can Affect The PSA Reading? •
Negative Biopsy / Need For Re-Biopsy • When The Biopsy Detects Prostate Cancer • Treatment Options • Surveillance After Treatment • Prevention • Sources For Additional Reading

Surveillance After Treatment

When the initial plan is observation or “watchful waiting,” a PSA and digital rectal examination are generally done every 6 to 12 months.

A rise in the PSA or change in the DRE may prompt another prostate biopsy to determine if the grade is advancing or may lead to the institution of definitive therapy.

For men whose life expectancy is under 10 years, the onset of symptoms would lead to therapy, as well.

After definitive treatment a PSA and exam should be done every 3 to 6 months for the first 5 years and annually thereafter.

If the cancer was advanced at the time of detection, more frequent monitoring may be necessary.

Radiographic evaluation is necessary for the onset of symptoms, such as bone pain.