What to Expect When Visiting a Prostate Cancer Doctor

Visiting a prostate cancer doctor becomes necessary, especially after receiving a diagnosis or experiencing symptoms that require further evaluation. Knowing what to expect can prepare you for open discussions about your health. Here’s what happens during an appointment with a prostate doctor:

Starting With a Medical Evaluation

Your first meeting with a prostate doctor is a detailed discussion about your health. The doctor will ask about your personal and family medical history. This includes any relatives who have had prostate cancer. You will also discuss the symptoms that you are experiencing in detail.

After the discussion, the prostate cancer specialist will conduct a physical examination. This often includes a digital rectal exam (DRE). During a DRE, the doctor feels the prostate gland to assess its size, shape, or texture. This helps the doctor determine the next steps.

Conducting Diagnostic Tests and Imaging

Following the initial evaluation, your prostate cancer doctor may recommend specific tests to get a better picture of your health. While each case is unique, some common diagnostic tools are used. Here are some of them:

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test: This test measures the level of PSA in your blood. Elevated levels can indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
MRI Fusion Biopsy: If your PSA is high or the DRE is abnormal, the doctor may perform a biopsy. This procedure uses MRI technology to guide the extraction of small tissue samples from the prostate for laboratory analysis.
Imaging Scans: Tests like MRI or CT scans may be used to see if cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland.

These tests provide your prostate specialist with the needed information for an accurate diagnosis. Once the results are available, your prostate specialist will discuss them with you.

Discussing Treatment Options and Care

After a diagnosis is confirmed, the next step is to discuss treatment. Your prostate cancer specialist will review all available options with you. The goal is to create a care plan tailored to your specific situation, including the stage of the cancer and your overall health. Here are some options your specialist may recommend:

Robotic Surgery: Minimally invasive procedures, such as a robotic prostatectomy, are often used to remove the cancerous tissue with high precision.
Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
Hormonal Therapy: This approach works by blocking hormones that fuel cancer growth.
Active Surveillance: For slow-growing cancers, your doctor may recommend close monitoring without immediate treatment.

Your prostate doctor will explain the benefits and risks associated with each option. This allows you to make an informed decision about your care.

Providing Emotional Support

A prostate cancer diagnosis affects more than just your physical health. Your prostate doctor and their team can connect you with resources for emotional support, such as counseling or support groups. It is helpful to have a support network to rely on during this time. Follow-up care is also a fundamental part of your journey. Regular appointments allow your prostate cancer doctor to monitor your progress and manage any side effects of treatment.

See a Prostate Cancer Doctor

Knowing what to expect when visiting a prostate cancer specialist can prepare you for your appointment. From the first consultation to developing a treatment plan, each step aims to provide you with the best possible care. If you have concerns about prostate health, contact a prostate cancer doctor near you to schedule your visit today.