PROSTATE
CANCER CRYOTHERAPY
Cryosurgery Procedures
The Importance of Cryosurgery
Follow-Up Care
Although cryosurgical
ablation is a minimally invasive surgery,
follow-up care after treatment remains extremely
important. A doctor will regularly examine a prostate
cancer patient to be sure the cancer has not returned
or progressed. In some instances of prostate cancer,
cancer cells will have reached other parts of
the body or managed to remain after treatment.
Prostate
cancer recurrence symptoms will be checked
during the follow-up care. Postoperative PSA level
checks along with Gleason scores and cancer staging
has been show to accurately predict prostate cancer
recurrences.
While all follow-up care will depend
on the cancer patient or how advanced the prostate
cancer was, there are some general recommendations
that can apply to all cryosurgery
follow-up care. It is important that the patient
and cancer specialist discuss a specific post-surgery
care plan.
Patients should avoid lifting heavy objects, driving, engaging in sexual activity, or returning to work until the urologist gives the okay. Drinking two to three liters of fluid daily is shown to keep urine diluted and maintain a regular, healthy diet for bladder care. Regular follow-ups are necessary to check the status of healing and for any remaining abnormal tissue. Any signs of prostate cancer symptoms should be reported immediately as there may be some recurring cancer.
Cryotherapy Follow-Up Care Recommendations
The general recommendation is that a PSA test be taken every three months for the first year after surgery, then every six months for the following two years and yearly thereafter. Within six to eight weeks time, the PSA level should fall to a low level. A biopsy should also be performed at six months, one year, two years, and five years after surgery – or anytime PSA levels rise. Annual digital rectal exams may also be recommended. Patients treated for advanced prostate cancer should be followed more closely.
Following up with both a cancer specialist and a family doctor will make the best practice. The cancer specialist will be able to monitor anything related to cancer and the family doctor will be able to assess overall health conditions. Family doctors are likely to have the capabilities of conducting follow-up care for cancer patients. However, they should only do so under strict guidance of a cancer specialist.
Preventing Recurrence of Prostate Cancer
It is very important to discuss any cryosurgery
side effects or symptoms after surgery, as
well as any changes after time. Not only will
a doctor be able to recommend the best solution
to help, but it will also help to investigate
new symptoms.
There have been recurrences of prostate
cancer after 10 to 15 years of prostate
cancer cryotherapy treatment. Also, substantial
long-term data has yet to be established to determine
long-term effectiveness of cryosurgery. It remains
important to continually follow-up with a doctor
years after treatment.
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