Prostate Cancer Second Opinions in San Antonio

Many men find that a prostate cancer diagnosis raises more questions than answers at first. Every case is unique, and the choices you make at this stage can shape the course of your care.

Getting a second opinion doesn’t mean you doubt your doctor. Instead, it’s about making sure you have the clearest understanding of your diagnosis and the best path forward.

That’s why we offer prostate cancer second opinions in San Antonio. At Urology San Antonio, our specialists can confirm your diagnosis and answer your questions. They can also show you new treatment options you might not have considered.

There are valid reasons why your urologist or oncologist may advise against immediate surgery or radiation:

• Some treatments carry side effects that may not outweigh the benefits at your current stage.
• Health conditions, such as heart disease, obesity, or diabetes, may raise surgical risks.
• There may be non-surgical or less invasive options to try.
• Your cancer may be slow-growing. Slow-growing cancer is considered low-risk and is best managed by keeping a careful watch on the cancer through:
  • Regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests
  • Digital rectal exams (DRE)
  • Imaging studies, such as MRI
  • Prostate biopsy, if needed

Maybe you’ve heard this and you’d like to consider other alternatives. At Urology San Antonio, we want you to feel confident in your treatment goals and plan. We believe a prostate cancer second opinion is valuable. Another specialist may offer a different perspective based on their training and experience.

If your doctor recommends surgery, radiation, or another form of therapy but you’re unsure it’s the right choice, a second opinion can help you weigh the pros and cons.

Each treatment option has its own benefits, risks, and recovery expectations. Before making a final decision, some things you can discuss with your doctor and your second-opinion specialist are:

1. Your diagnosis and stage

Make sure you fully understand your

• PSA levels
• Gleason score or Grade Group
• Cancer stage

These numbers help determine how aggressive your prostate cancer is and which treatments are most effective.

2. Possible treatment options

There are many available options for prostate cancer treatment, including:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Focal therapies
• Clinical trials

Find out which are best suited to your situation, and work with your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits of these.

3. The anticipated benefits of treatment

Consider what you realistically hope to achieve. Is the goal to cure the cancer, slow its growth, or manage symptoms? Determine the best option to meet your goals.

4. Treatment risks and side effects

All prostate cancer treatments have potential side effects, such as urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction. Understanding these risks helps set expectations for the treatment you choose.

A prostate cancer second opinion can confirm your original diagnosis. It can also suggest a different treatment path or provide reassurance that you’re on the right track.

Every physician has their own experience and perspective. Consulting with another expert can open the door to new insights or technologies available.

If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, or if you’re facing a treatment decision with uncertainty, look no further. Prostate cancer second opinions in San Antonio can provide another trusted resource to help guide.