Prostate Cancer Treatment in Mumbai: Surgery or Other Options?

 When your PSA is elevated, everyone suddenly becomes a medical expert and begins researching prostate cancer treatment in Mumbai. In the interim, before your doctor even explains the results to you, you'll see articles stating that prostate cancer can be aggressive and lead to death. Here, we discuss the different treatment and follow-up options in as simple terms as possible.

How Is Prostate Cancer Identified?

Prior to making a treatment plan, the doctor needs to understand the situation completely. Here is the process normally followed:

• PSA blood test: to evaluate if there is an elevation of a particular protein made by the prostate
• Digital rectal exam: to evaluate the prostate tissue by touch
• MRI scan: to evaluate any concerning areas
• Biopsy: to evaluate if there is cancer
• Grading and staging to understand the speed of the growth and the spread

Be sure to request the grade and stage of your cancer. The treatment plan is based on these.

What Is Included in Prostate Cancer Treatment in Mumbai

Different treatments are available for prostate cancer. Your doctor will evaluate your reports and explain the different options available to you.

These may include:

• Active Surveillance: This involves regular tests and scans to monitor the cancer, but no treatment is done immediately.
• Radical Prostatectomy: This involves surgical removal of the prostate, usually with the help of robotic assistance.
• Radiation Therapy: Involves use of radiation to treat prostate cancer. This may be done by external radiation therapy, where a machine is used to deliver radiation from outside the body, or by placing radiation seeds in the prostate.
• Hormone Therapy: This involves the use of medicines to reduce the body’s production of hormones that may be associated with the growth of the cancer.
• Chemotherapy/Newer Drugs: This is usually done for prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

All of the above options have trade-offs, mainly in control of bladder and sexual function. A good doctor will discuss this with you prior to you raising questions about this.

When is 'Wait and Watch' appropriate?

For cancers that are slow-growing, wait and watch is an appropriate medical plan. It is also important to understand that “wait and watch” does not mean ignore the cancer. In some situations, treatment of a slow-growing cancer may cause more harm than benefit to the patient.

In wait and watch for prostate cancer, a plan may include:

• A PSA test every few months
• MRI scans at specific intervals
• Biopsy if the doctor feels it is necessary

Treatment is initiated if there are any changes in the cancer.

What Leads Doctors to Recommend Surgery over Radiation?

There are typically no absolute rights or wrongs. Other factors doctors consider may include:

• The grade and stage of the cancer
• PSA level at the time of diagnosis
• Your age and your general health
• Other medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease)
• What is most important to you, and how do you weigh the trade-offs of potential side effects?

It is not uncommon for two patients with the same report to opt for different treatment modalities and for both to have made the right choice. This is why a second opinion is the norm.

How Do You Select The Oncologist Surgeon in Mumbai?

Finding the best is usually subjective, and NMC regulations prevent doctors from endorsing or advertising themselves as the best, which is why a search for an oncologist surgeon in Mumbai usually means the patient is looking for a doctor who is able to explain things in a way they can understand and someone who is a good listener.

Other things to consider:

• Have they had ample, regular and relevant experience dealing with prostate cancer cases?
• Do they openly discuss potential side effects?
• Do they encourage a dialogue on all available options, including radiation and surveillance?

What Should A Cancer Hospital In Mumbai Have?

A good cancer hospital in Mumbai usually has:

• MRI and biopsy facilities
• Urologists, surgeons, and radiation specialists who co-locate and co-ordinate with each other.
• Pelvic-floor physiotherapy
• Counselling for you and your partner
• Costs and insurance forms

Cancer treatment impacts your moods, your relationships and your confidence, not just the prostate. When the hospital supports all that, the recovery feels a lot easier.

Planning Prostate Cancer Treatment In Mumbai Without Panic

Prioritise.

• Collect all your reports, including biopsy slides and MRI films.
• Have your grade and stage confirmed in writing.
• Talk to a surgeon and a radiation oncologist.
• Have your priorities written. For example, are your goals to "cure" your prostate cancer, to maintain bladder control and/or to be sexually functional?
• Check what your insurance covers and what the out-of-pocket costs would be.
• Take a family member/close friend to help you through this. It’s hard to remember all the details.
• Not sure what to ask? Write them down. The team at the clinic can help you prepare as well.

Recovery After Prostate Cancer Treatments In Mumbai

Recovery and time to complete treatment vary, based on the treatment you choose. After some surgeries, the prostate is completely removed, and a catheter is left in to drain the urine. The catheter is normally left in for 1-2 weeks. Pelvic-floor physical therapy can help bladder control, and most men can see slow, steady improvements in bladder control over a few months. After radiation therapy, fatigue is common, and urinary irritation can also occur. These symptoms usually go away on their own with time.

Things That Help

• Doing pelvic floor exercises the way your physiotherapist showed you
• Drinking lots of water and cutting back on coffee and tea
• Walking as much as your doctor allows
• Going to all your follow-ups, as PSA tests are for life

Many men feel down or anxious after treatment. It is ok to feel this way, and talking to your doctor or counsellor may help.

FAQs

1. Does Every Man Need Prostate Cancer Treatment in Mumbai after Diagnosis?

Not every man needs treatment immediately after a diagnosis of prostate cancer. It is determined on a case-to-case basis if and when treatment is required.

2. How will I know I’ve found the best oncologist surgeon in Mumbai for me?

You feel able to raise any issue and get answers to the questions that will help you understand the options available to you.

3. Do cancer hospitals have to be big to be good?

No, look at the team, facilities and allied services.

4. Can I expect changes to my sex life due to prostate cancer treatment in Mumbai?

Perhaps, but that will be only partly true. There are many things that can be managed by using different means, including medications, devices and counselling.

Conclusion

There are many factors you need to consider when seeking prostate cancer treatment in Mumbai. Make sure that you choose a doctor who gives you time to understand your options. You should also choose a cancer hospital in Mumbai where you can expect to be supported to cover all aspects of your cancer journey and not just the surgery. You are welcome to contact the clinic for a consultation to have your reports reviewed.

Article Source--https://medium.com/@parulbhakti/prostate-cancer-treatment-in-mumbai-surgery-or-other-options-d206390cf5b0