The prostate is a gland that helps produce the fluid found in semen. It is located between the bladder and the rectum. The prostate surrounds the urethra. Typically, the prostate is about the size of a walnut. If the prostate becomes too large it causes pressure on the urethra and slows and possibly stops urine flow. One condition that might cause prostate enlargement is prostate cancer. Urinary issues are one of the symptoms of this particular type of cancer.
Why is it Important to Get a Second Opinion on Prostate Cancer?
In the United States, prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men. In fact, about a quarter of men who receive a cancer diagnosis will have prostate cancer. When it comes to deaths from cancer, prostate cancer ranks second among men. As far as types of cancers go, prostate cancer has one of the slower growth rates. For this reason, if it is detected early, it is quite curable.]
Currently, the cause of prostate cancer remains unknown. However, there are several risk factors for the development of prostate cancer. Some of these include family history, age, diet, and race. There are some conditions such as BPH and prostatitis that will cause many similar symptoms as prostate cancer, this includes symptoms such as difficulty urinating, weak urine stream, and urinating more frequently. However, during the early stages of prostate cancer, many men do not experience any symptoms at all.
Screening Tests and Treatment Options
The most common and easiest prostate cancer screening test does not provide conclusive proof of whether or not there is cancer present. If PSA blood tests or a digital rectal examination indicate that there are issues with the prostate, more tests are often needed in order to diagnose or rule out prostate cancer.
When it comes to treatment, there is no best way of treating the disease. Some of the options available include hormone therapy, radiation treatments, watchful waiting, surgery, or a combination of all of these things. Each of these treatments comes with a risk of side effects, including the possibility of incontinence and/or impotence. Treatment decisions should be given thoughtful care. The overall health of the patient, how far cancer has spread, and whether or not the risk of treatment provides more benefits than harm.
What to do If you are Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer
If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer it is always recommended that you seek out a second opinion before you decide what course of action that you should take. A second opinion simply means that you will see another doctor located in a different hospital to get their opinions and views of your initial diagnosis. Getting a second opinion offers a valuable way for you to verify facts about prostate cancer in reference to the stage and location of your particular cancerous growth. Additionally, a second opinion might provide you with the chance to participate in newer treatment forms or a clinical study that might be available. Often, you can ask your doctor to see another specialist before you make the decision to move ahead with the treatment.
Benefits of a Second Opinion
There are several reasons and benefits for obtaining a second opinion after your original diagnosis. You might just want to confirm your diagnosis or maybe bolster the facts that you have already learned. Other reasons to get a second opinion include:
- Helps ensure you get the best treatment options that are currently available
- You might not feel like you can communicate effectively with your current doctor
- Learn more about the different ways to treat the disease like prostate cancer is complex and the opinions on how it should be treated vary.
- Reassurance that both doctors are on the same page in regards to your course of treatment.
You may be concerned about offending your doctor by asking for a second opinion. However, this is not something that you should be worried about. In fact, most doctors will confer with colleagues about certain medical cases that might be complicated or unique in nature.
Considerations
Before you ask your doctor for another opinion, you should carefully consider why you want one. You should do this in order to avoid the time, money, and effort that it takes to see another doctor. If you do decide that you want a second opinion, make sure that you are prepared for your appointment. Start by writing down all of the questions that you would like to ask. Keep a journal of any treatments you receive and symptoms that you have so you can reference this during your appointment.
Your doctor will forward all of your medical records to your new doctor. This will include test results and medications that you are currently taking. This will provide your new doctor with insight into your current state of health. Once you get your second assessment, you will be able to determine how you want to move forward with your treatment.
You will be able to talk with your doctor about what the best option for treatment might be. Make sure that you are not wasting a lot of time trying to decide. Prostate cancer is slow-growing cancer, but you do not want to delay treatments that can prevent more growth.
Adult Pediatric Urology & Urogynecology, PC | Urologists Omaha & Council Bluffs, IA
Adult Pediatric Urology, PC has 7 board-certified physicians and attentive, dedicated staff. We have served Nebraska and Iowa since 1982 with two locations in Omaha and Council Bluffs. Our Omaha location includes an accredited outpatient surgical center with state-of-the-art equipment and a comfortable waiting area just minutes from Interstate 680. Our physicians successfully perform hundreds of traditional and no-scalpel vasectomies every year.
CARE THAT COUNTS | BEST UROLOGIST IN OMAHA
The attentive, compassionate physicians, providers, and staff at Adult Pediatric Urology & Urogynecology are committed to providing innovative, quality patient care in our state-of-the-art facility. From screening and prevention to treatment and recovery, we will be there for you.
WE MAKE THE PROCESS AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE
At Adult Pediatric Urology & Urogynecology, we don’t want the billing and insurance system to stand in the way of getting the care you or a loved one needs.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:
We specialize in urological disorders, including conditions, diseases, and urological cancers of the prostate, bladder, and kidney; female urology; pediatric urology; sexual medicine, and clinical research.
