Suggest Medical Tests To Rule Out Prostate Cancer

Posted on Thu, 23 Jun 2016

Question: Hi i just got some results for my father bone scan and his general doctor says that it is prostate cancer that has metastasized to his pelvic , ribs .... i am devastated of course but my issue is my father is 84 years old and he is very fragile emotionally ...he always told me he does not want to know if he has cancer cause he would lose his spirit and he does not want to do chemo etc..... I just want to know how can i help him without having to tell him he has cancer. I know this is a stupid question perhaps but i thought some one here could give me some feed back as to how long he may have to live if he does not treat it ... I have his bone scan results and spa numbers if you would like

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello dear. A few test are required.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. Welcome to HCM. I appreciate your concern for you father.
I would like to tell you to first get confirm the diagnosis by
1 A biopsy test
2 Serum PSA test.
It is because some other tumors may also give metastasis to bones.
If it is confirmed that it is from prostate, then some oral form of tablets(anti hormonal agents) and small hormonal injections can be given (which are not chemo) and have minimal side effects to control the tumor growth. This will also improve the quality of life.
Also, oral forms of bone strengthening agents can be given to prevent any bone fracture.
Feel free to ask further.
regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (21 minutes later)

Thank you so much Dr. i Am of iransnan heritage and so my culture is very much against evasive medicines and surgery. My father has always begged me not to do any of these things for him. Is the biopsy a hard evasive procedures ? how is it done ?
How can i tell him something without saying its cancer ? I think that word will completely demoralize hims and physiologically will effect his health. I know these maybe stupid questions but I love him and don't want him to suffer and want him to enjoy his life how little of it he may have.
can you tell me about life expectancy of a prostate cancer that has metastasized ?

also were you able to see his blood work and bone scan results that I had attached ??

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello dear. Life expectancy is difficult to predict.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. A biopsy will be done from the most superficial and obvious bony lesion so that it can be done easily and under local anesthesia so that it wnt cause pain. You can tell your father that it is a test to determine what type of oral bone treatment can be given to strengthen your bones.
Life expectancy in a metastatic ca prostate depends upon variety of factors like general physical condition of the patient, any other illness(chronic), and how he respond to treatment. On an average most patients survive atleast a minimum of 3 to 5 years and maximum upto 10 years. These figures can vary from person to person.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (20 minutes later)

Thank you so much doctor. I know you are in XXXXXXX and i am sure you may be familiar with the doctors here in the US . Is there any way that I can convince them to not come out and say he has cancer ? I am worried that here they just will come out and say that to him due to law :-(((

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello dear. You can have a words with them.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I dont know exactly what is the system of disclosing bad news to the patients. However, i know that they have a very strong psychological support system and they can explain these things in a very supportive and encouraging way to the patient. You can still have a discussion with the doctors prior to the meeting of your father.
Thanks and regards

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D