Post-Prostate Cancer Surgery: Understanding PSA Levels and Follow-Up Care
Post-prostate cancer surgery Dear Dr. Chien, I underwent a Da Vinci prostate cancer surgery on December 14th last year. During my follow-up visit, I had blood tests for serum PSA on the following dates: January 18th (0.025), February 15th (0.017), March 30th (0.023), April 29th...
Dr. Jian Weihong Reply:
Hello: A PSA level of less than 0.2 is defined, and it is also important to consider the surgical staging. You may discuss this with the surgeon. Wishing you good health. You can refer to the online article by Dr. Huang Shu-bin regarding the surgical treatment and follow-up of pr...[Read More] Post-Prostate Cancer Surgery: Understanding PSA Levels and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Post-Surgery PSA Levels After Da Vinci Prostate Cancer Surgery
Da Vinci Surgery Dear Doctor, I underwent a Da Vinci robotic-assisted prostate cancer surgery on December 14th last year. During my follow-up appointments, my blood tests showed the following serum PSA levels: 0.025 on January 18, 0.017 on February 15, 0.023 on March 30, 0.028 on...
Dr. Du Shixi Reply:
Hello: A PSA level of less than 0.2 is defined, and it is also important to consider the surgical staging. You may discuss this with the surgeon. Wishing you good health. You can refer to the online article by Dr. Huang Shu-bin on the surgical treatment and follow-up of prostate ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery PSA Levels After Da Vinci Prostate Cancer Surgery
Evaluating BPH: Is Transrectal Ultrasound Safe for Prostate Cancer Screening?
BPH Rectal Ultrasound My father is a 73-year-old male with a medical history of hypertension and diabetes for over 15 years, as well as G6PD deficiency. He underwent thyroidectomy three years ago due to thyroid nodules. Current vital signs show BP: 128/76 mmHg. Laboratory results...
Dr. Cai Zhuorong Reply:
Is it appropriate to perform a "rectal ultrasound" under local anesthesia? Is the risk associated with this procedure high? There is a certain level of risk, primarily related to infection; however, not undergoing a biopsy also carries the risk of missing a timely diagn...[Read More] Evaluating BPH: Is Transrectal Ultrasound Safe for Prostate Cancer Screening?
Understanding Urethral Stricture After Prostate Cancer Surgery
Urethral stricture Hello, Director Du. After undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, I developed urethral stricture and had a dilation procedure done. However, two weeks later, I noticed that the urine stream has narrowed again. The dilation process was very painful...
Dr. Du Shixi Reply:
Hello: Urethral stricture is prone to recurrence. You may discuss treatment options with your physician, or consider dilation under anesthesia. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Urethral Stricture After Prostate Cancer Surgery
Post-Prostate Cancer Surgery: Kegel Exercises and Home Care Tips
Post-prostate cancer surgery 1. How long after a Da Vinci surgery can one perform Kegel exercises? What are the potential effects on the wound if done too early? 2. What home care practices after surgery could potentially lead to a narrowing of the bladder neck? Could you pleas...
Dr. Du Shixi Reply:
Hello: Although the purpose of the surgery is the same, it is a major operation, and each patient's situation may vary. It is advisable to discuss this with the surgeon. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Post-Prostate Cancer Surgery: Kegel Exercises and Home Care Tips
Post-Prostate Surgery: How Long Should You Use a Support Belt?
Post-prostatectomy Dear Doctor, I underwent a Da Vinci surgery for prostate cancer in early October. I have been using a compression belt since the surgery. I would like to ask about the appropriate timing for using the compression belt and how long I need to continue using it be...
Dr. Du Shixi Reply:
Hello: Please discuss with your surgeon. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Post-Prostate Surgery: How Long Should You Use a Support Belt?
Simultaneous Prostate Laser Surgery and Biopsy: Is It Safe?
Simultaneous transurethral laser prostatectomy and biopsy procedure? Dr. Tsai: Hello, my PSA levels are increasing rapidly, and due to benign prostatic hyperplasia, my urinary flow rate is very low. After evaluation by my doctor, there is concern about the possibility of a tumor....
Dr. Cai Zhuorong Reply:
It is feasible to perform two surgeries simultaneously. Of course, if there is a high suspicion of prostate cancer, a biopsy can be performed first. Once the biopsy confirms the presence of a malignant tumor, a radical prostatectomy can be scheduled. This approach can save the co...[Read More] Simultaneous Prostate Laser Surgery and Biopsy: Is It Safe?
Understanding Elevated PSA and Low Free PSA: Other Potential Causes
Elevated PSA with low Free PSA? Hello Doctor, I am 36 years old. I had a health check-up on September 16, and my PSA level was 4.911. The hospital recommended that I retest my PSA along with Free PSA, and on September 21, my results were PSA: 4.67 and Free PSA: 13.21. I understan...
Dr. Li Minghui Reply:
Hello: Generally, inflammation of the glands or pressure from procedures such as digital rectal examination or prostate massage can lead to an increase in urethral endoscopy findings. Additionally, some suggest that prolonged pressure on the perineum from cycling may also be a co...[Read More] Understanding Elevated PSA and Low Free PSA: Other Potential Causes
Understanding PSA and Free PSA Results: Beyond Prostate Cancer
Prostate issues? Hello, doctor. I am 36 years old. I had a health check-up on September 16, and my PSA level was 4.911. The hospital recommended that I retest my PSA along with Free PSA, and on September 21, my results were PSA: 4.67 and Free PSA: 13.21. I understand that sexual ...
Dr. Du Shixi Reply:
Hello: Generally, inflammation of the glands or pressure from procedures such as digital rectal examination or prostate massage can lead to increased urethral sensitivity during endoscopic examination. Additionally, prolonged pressure on the perineum from cycling may also be a co...[Read More] Understanding PSA and Free PSA Results: Beyond Prostate Cancer
Understanding Rapid PSA Level Increase: Causes and Next Steps
PSA levels have significantly increased over the past five years? Hello, I am 47 years old. I previously had my PSA levels tested in 2015 and 2016, with results of 1.33 and 1.01, respectively. I did not have any further tests for several years until last month, when my PSA level ...
Dr. Du Shixi Reply:
Hello: Your urine test shows 40-50 white blood cells per high power field, which may indicate a significant chance of inflammation. However, a re-evaluation by the urology department at the hospital is necessary. Please pay attention to your lifestyle: stay hydrated, limit spicy ...[Read More] Understanding Rapid PSA Level Increase: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Abnormal Prostate Exam Results: What You Need to Know
Abnormal prostate examination? Hello Dr. Du, my father is 70 years old and has been experiencing frequent urination. He underwent a PSA test, which showed a level of 5.6. The physician performed a digital rectal exam and found a hard mass, and the ultrasound revealed a hypoechoic...
Dr. Du Shixi Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, there is about a 20-30% chance between scores of 4-10. Clinically, it is quite difficult to make a definitive judgment, which is why a biopsy is necessary for diagnosis. Even if the report is negative, follow-up is still required. However, there is no n...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Prostate Exam Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Prostate Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment Options, and Surgery
Prostate cancer Hello Dr. Du, On April 5, my PSA test result was 14.3. I went to the hospital for further examination, and my PSA increased to 17. I underwent my first biopsy, which was benign. However, my PSA rose to 18, still high. An MRI revealed a tumor on the right side, an...
Dr. Du Shixi Reply:
Hello: There are many treatment options available, and the Da Vinci system is one of them. You can check the hospital website you are considering for information on prostate cancer treatments and discuss the options with your physician. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Prostate Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment Options, and Surgery
Understanding Elevated PSA Levels: Concerns and Next Steps for Men
Elevated PSA levels? Hello Dr. Du: I have been troubled by a few questions, and I would like to ask for your assistance: 1. I am 30 years old. Since 2013, my annual health check-up reports have shown PSA levels consistently in the range of 3 to 4. In 2020-2021, I had closer moni...
Dr. Du Shixi Reply:
Hello: 1. I am 30 years old. Since 2013, my annual health check-up reports have shown a PSA level in the range of 3 to 4. From 2020 to 2021, I had closer monitoring with three tests, and the levels were still around 3. Later, I underwent a digital rectal exam and MRI at National ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated PSA Levels: Concerns and Next Steps for Men
Active Monitoring vs. Treatment: Navigating Prostate Health Decisions
Can active monitoring be implemented? At the beginning of the year, I experienced difficulty urinating and underwent catheterization. After about five months of medication, I again faced urinary difficulties, leading to catheterization and a prostatectomy. My preoperative PSA lev...
Dr. Li Minghui Reply:
Hello: Prostate cancer is quite unique; some cases may progress rapidly while others remain stable for many years. There are various treatment options available if one chooses to pursue aggressive treatment, and the associated complications can vary significantly. Therefore, it i...[Read More] Active Monitoring vs. Treatment: Navigating Prostate Health Decisions
Understanding Prostate Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
Prostate-related issues Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing some urinary frequency and was contemplating whether I should see a doctor. While researching online, I found that my symptoms are somewhat similar to chronic prostatitis. I have also had symptoms like needi...
Dr. Du Shixi Reply:
Hello: If it occurs regularly, it is recommended to consult a urologist at the hospital. If it happens occasionally, you can start by making some lifestyle adjustments: drink more water, reduce beverage intake, maintain a light diet, limit alcohol and spicy foods, avoid prolonged...[Read More] Understanding Prostate Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
Managing Urinary Difficulties: Insights on Prostate Health and Treatment Options
Dysuria At the beginning of the year, I experienced difficulty urinating and underwent catheterization. After about five months of medication, I again faced urinary difficulties, leading to catheterization and a prostatectomy. My preoperative PSA level was 18.9, and postoperative...
Dr. Du Shixi Reply:
Hello: Prostate cancer is quite unique; some cases may progress rapidly while others remain stable for many years. There are various treatment options available if one chooses to pursue aggressive treatment, and the complications associated with these treatments can vary. Therefo...[Read More] Managing Urinary Difficulties: Insights on Prostate Health and Treatment Options
Can Prostate Massage Benefit Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer?
Can prostate cancer patients undergo prostate massage? Dear Director: I am a patient with T3b prostate cancer, which has spread to the seminal vesicles, with a Gleason score of 4+3. I underwent radiation therapy a year ago and am currently receiving hormone therapy, which my doct...
Dr. Li Minghui Reply:
Hello: The treatment for prostate cancer, including surgery and radiation therapy, has the potential to be curative, but it is important to discuss this with your treating physician. As for average life expectancy, you can refer to https://www.canceraway.org.tw/cancerinfo.asp?id=...[Read More] Can Prostate Massage Benefit Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer?
Understanding T3b Prostate Cancer: Treatment, Prognosis, and Care
Prostate cancer patient Hello: I am a T3b prostate cancer patient, which has spread to the seminal vesicles, with a Gleason score of 4+3. I underwent radiation therapy a year ago and am currently receiving hormone therapy, which my doctor said will last for 2 years. I have just c...
Dr. Du Shixi Reply:
Hello: The treatment for prostate cancer, including surgery and radiation therapy, has the potential for cure, but it is important to discuss this with your attending physician. As for average life expectancy, you can refer to the prognosis section at https://www.canceraway.org.t...[Read More] Understanding T3b Prostate Cancer: Treatment, Prognosis, and Care
Understanding Elevated PSA Levels: Risks of Prostate Cancer
Elevated PSA levels? Hello Dr. Du: My father is 61 years old and underwent partial laser resection for benign prostatic hyperplasia four years ago. Recently, he has been experiencing pain after urination, and blood tests revealed a PSA level of 18. What is the likelihood that thi...
Dr. Du Shixi Reply:
Hello: For reference, it is essential to discuss with a clinical physician. In cases of painful urination, it is crucial to first diagnose whether there is inflammation. Such inflammatory conditions can potentially escalate significantly, and treatment should be prioritized. If i...[Read More] Understanding Elevated PSA Levels: Risks of Prostate Cancer
Rapid PSA Increase: Clinical Implications for Prostate Health
Rapid increase in PSA levels over a short period of time? Hello Doctor: My father is 71 years old. During a health check on March 26, his PSA level was 12.6. He visited the urology department on April 6, where a digital rectal examination and ultrasound did not reveal any masses,...
Dr. Du Shixi Reply:
Hello: An abnormal elevation in the index may indicate prostate cancer, even in the absence of urinary symptoms associated with prostatitis. However, the interpretation of biopsy results is quite nuanced; it depends on pathology, age, overall health status, and other factors befo...[Read More] Rapid PSA Increase: Clinical Implications for Prostate Health