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Prostate cancer

What is salvage radiation after prostatectomy?

What is salvage radiation after prostatectomy?

The short answer

If PSA rises after surgery, radiation to the area where the prostate was can treat cancer cells left behind. It's often most effective when PSA is still low.

More detail

Sometimes hormone therapy is added. Treatment usually runs several weeks. PSA climbing after surgery? Book a visit soon to plan the next steps.

Our care near Marietta

Across Marietta, Canton, Dallas and Jasper, our team sees you for visits and follow-ups at the office where you first come to us. Procedures for all four offices take place at our Marietta Clinic & Surgery Center on Church Street Extension NW.

Request a visit at Advanced Urology to go over your options.

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Where can I go from here?

Start with the condition page, then call or book online whenever you are ready.

Follow-up with us after surgery

After a prostatectomy, men keep seeing our urologists in Marietta, Canton or Jasper for PSA checks. We'll explain what each result means, how often to test, and what level of rise prompts a closer look. If PSA climbs, we may suggest PET/CT imaging to search for where the cells are.

How our urologists approach a rising PSA

A rise doesn't always mean you need treatment right away. We'll talk about timing, the likely benefit and side effects of radiation, and whether other therapy should be added. Our team coordinates the next steps and keeps you informed.

When to call

Phone us if you notice bone pain, blood in the urine, new urinary trouble or anything that worries you between tests: (678) 344-8900.

Questions worth asking

  • How quickly has my PSA been rising?
  • Would imaging change the plan?
  • What side effects should I watch for during and after radiation?
  • How will we track results afterward?

Writing these down before your visit makes the conversation easier.

Common questions

Will I still see my surgeon?

Yes. Our urologists keep checking your PSA during and after radiation while the radiation team delivers the treatment. Report new leaking or bowel changes to both.

How often is PSA checked afterward?

Usually every few months at first, then less often if PSA stays low. A rising PSA leads to imaging such as a PSMA PET/CT scan.

Bring your surgical pathology report if it came from elsewhere.

Related reading

Videos from Advanced Urology

What is Elevated PSA and how Advanced treats it What the video covers: From its title: a look at what a raised PSA can signal and the steps Advanced Urology takes next. Watch on YouTube

Videos play here from Advanced Urology’s YouTube channel, using YouTube’s privacy-enhanced mode.

Questions after reading this? Our offices in Marietta, Canton, Dallas and Jasper share one phone line and one caring team.

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