Aftercare
Aftercare is about early detection of recurrence or progression of cancer. At regular intervals, the affected person should consult a doctor and report any bone (metastases) or flank pain (urinary retention). Side effects of hormone therapy can also be medically treated.
A digital rectal examination (palpation of the prostate) should also be carried out regularly for control purposes. An ultrasound examination can also help in the search for urinary retention or lymph node metastases. Since after a complete removal of the prostate, the PSA level should no longer be detectable, any new increase should be considered a recurrence of the disease.
In this case, a subsequent radiation or hormone treatment should be considered. The PSA level should be checked about every six months. Find out here what role the PSA level plays in aftercare: PSA level in prostate cancer