Just had prostate surgery but high Gleason score found

Hi

I had surgery for prostate surgery 3 weeks ago, which went well, margins were also negative. However, histology found that my Gleason score was quite high at 9 (it was only 7 on biopsy the previous month). The specialist told me that I still might need further treatment (I guess radiotherapy) somewhere down the line. Obviously, I am really worried and very down as I (in my naivety) felt that the surgery might "cure" it, as some people say prostate cancer curable. I'm 49 years old.

Thanks for any help and support you could give me.

  • Hi Hopeful49

    I'm sorry to hear about everything you have been going through. It must have come as a further surprise that you had a higher gleason score than initially thought.

    I'm no expert in this but I suppose you have to focus on what you know. The margins were negative, the surgery went well. it sounds as though your specialist didn't explain to you exactly what the higher gleason score meant in terms of your care. However, it is a reassuring that there are further treatment options, if needed.

    Do you have a specialist nurse? If not, I would suggest you contact your secretary's consultant with your furhter concerns.

    Take care

  • Hi Hopeful49. Welcome to the forum.

    I'm not a doctor; however I had prostate cancer surgery back in 2010.  Since then, I've been involved with our local prostate support group so I've picked up some information along the way.

    Thanks for sharing the details of your case. Clear margins are very good news.  Do you recall your latest PSA result before you had surgery?  

  • Hi Telemando

    My PSA had been around 4.2 for a couple of months, then at biopsy it was 4.5, but it had climbed to 10.8 just before surgery.