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Positive Surgical Margins after radical prosectomy

FormerMember
FormerMember
  • 1 reply
  • 42 subscribers
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Hello, I would appreciate some information.

I was diagnosed with stage 3A prostate cancer.

I received a radical prosectomy.

The first follow up after surgery showed a spa of 0.01

I was not told anything worrying at the follow up appointment.

I received a letter from the surgeon a week later.

The letter stated that following surgery I had a positive surgical margin but it was less than 4mm so practically needed no treatment.

If I had been told about the PSM at the consultation I would obviously had asked detailed questions, but I was left in the dark about the PSM.

I understand the PSM will have been as a result of a histology report. Will I be able to obtain a copy of the histology report?  Who should I ask?

What are the implications of a PSM of less than 4mm

How does the PSM   alter prognosis long term - by percentages 

Can you also refer me to some detailed reading about prognosis of prostate patients left with PSM

I prefer to be well read and as informed as possible.

Thank you for your help.

Dennis

  • Dear Dennis,

    Thanks very much for getting in touch and welcome to our online community, I hope you find it supportive. It is understandable to have questions about your letter if it mentions things that were not discussed at your appointment.

    After a prostatectomy, the follow up usually involves an up-to-date PSA test result and the information about the surgical margin. We would recommend contacting your Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse, if you have one, or your Consultant’s secretary and explain that some information in your letter was not discussed at your appointment and you have some questions about it.

    We do not have access to your medical records, so it is your hospital team who can best answer your questions about your results and prognosis.

    You can request a copy of your medical records, including reports, by contacting the Records/Patient Services Manager at your hospital.

    I have found some research articles that may be of interest, Dennis. These articles are in medical language and if you would like to talk through them, it would be easier to this by phoning one of our Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. Here is a study that looked at the significance and management of positive surgical margins.  This study analysed the impact of positive surgical margins on recurrence.

    I can see that you’re a member of the Prostate Cancer Forum where you may find someone has shared a similar experience. Prostate Cancer UK also has an online forum which might be helpful. This thread is specifically about Close Margins.

    I hope this information is helpful but if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

    Best wishes,

     

    Jo, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

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