Robotic Oncology. David B. Samadi M.D. Chief, Division Of Robotics And Minimal Invasive Surgery Mount Sinai School Of Medicine

Call to make an appointment: 1-855-DRSAMADI | 1-212-241-8779

Prostate Cancer Screenings: Whats a Guy to Do?

06/01/2009

The WAGonline.com
June, 2009

Dr. David B. Samadi, chief of robotic surgery, department of urology, at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City

Last year, 230,000 American men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, making it the second most common cancer (after skin cancer). Nearly 30,000 died of the disease, making it the second most lethal (after lung cancer). One of the reasons prostate cancer is so deadly is that it rarely produces symptoms in its early stages, when it’s far more curable, and is often detected only after it has spread to other organs. Early detection is therefore critical, and for the past 20 years, it’s been accepted wisdom that men should get an annual PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and digital rectal exam as soon as they hit age 50. The test is recommended at a younger age for men at increased risk. African-American men, for example, have a greater incidence of prostate cancer, as do men with a strong family history.

Recently, however, there’s been considerable controversy and confusion about the value of the PSA test. The New England Journal of Medicine recently published the results of two studies that came to very different conclusions. The first, a National Cancer Institute study, found that while prostate cancer screening led to an increase in diagnoses of the disease, it didn’t have an effect on the mortality rate. The second study found that those who had screenings were 20 percent less likely to die from prostate cancer.

To clear up the confusion, we talked to Dr. David B. Samadi, chief of robotic surgery, department of urology, at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. As a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer as well as other urologic diseases, what does he think of the PSA test? Moreover, what should men with elevated PSA scores do with this information?

“The studies don’t add anything new,” Samadi says. “Yes, screening can over-diagnose prostate cancer, but a smart doctor isn’t going to treat every PSA reading the same. It’s just one piece of the puzzle. You have to use that information along with the family history of the patient and the medical history of that patient. If he has an elevated PSA, you have to ask if this is the first time that it is elevated. You also want to know the PSA velocity. For example, if a year ago that patient had a PSA of 0.5 and now it’s 1.5, perhaps a year from now, it’ll be 2.5. While all those numbers are normal, the speed that it’s going up is a concern to me.”

As far as treatment options go, Samadi, says, “We’re moving away from seed implant and radiation. Short term, you don’t see a lot of side effects, but long term, you do see effects such as rectal bleeding and secondary cancers like rectal or bladder.”

Prostatectomy by an experienced surgeon, Samadi insists, is by far the better option. “When you remove the prostate, your PSA has to be undetectable or zero six weeks after surgery. The anxiety is gone! While 4 percent will need radiation after surgery, most will avoid it. If you do this the other way around and have radiation first, surgery becomes extremely challenging.”

And when it comes to surgical methods, Samadi, one of the few urologic surgeons in the U.S. trained in all three primary areas of surgery—open, laparoscopic, and robotic—favors laparoscopic, robot-aided surgery, a revolutionary technology offered at Mount Sinai that offers a quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay. “In the hands of experienced robotic surgeons, quality of life and cancer cure rate, sexual function and continence is excellent. It’s not just the robot that counts, of course, it’s the team and the experience you bring on board.”

For more information, visit www.roboticoncology.com

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Robotic Prostate Cancer Specialist - www.roboticoncology.com

Call to Make an Appointment With Dr. David Samadi:

1-855-DRSAMADI or 1-212-241-8779

Click the contact link to learn how Dr. Samadi can help treat your prostate cancer and give you back your quality of life.

* The benefits of robotic surgery cannot be guaranteed as surgery is both patient and procedure specific. Previous surgical results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Testimonials: Theodore, W
I sit in my bed at Mt. Sinai Hospital. It is 2:20 in the morning. I am alive. Patty tells me the Doctor said my surgery was a complete success. The cancerous prostate is gone from my body...
more..; H. S. MD, Connecticut, USA
It is now more than a week post-op and all is well (including path reports). Once again, I thank Dr. Samadi and all at Mount Sinai for the opportunity to be cared for by the best.?
more..; Stephen, B
I want to take a moment to thank you and your wonderful medical team for my successful surgery. In October of 2011 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and I immediately did a lot of research into my plan for treatment...
more..; Judith D., USA
We liked your answer very much. No one touches my patients but me. At that moment, we knew we had found our surgeon. We have never regretted that decision for a single moment. You and your staff have a level of knowledge, experience and professionalism that is unparalleled.
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Prostate Cancer Screenings: Whats a Guy to Do?

06/01/2009

Call to Make an Appointment With Dr. David Samadi:

1-855-DRSAMADI or 1-212-241-8779

Prostate Cancer Screenings: Whats a Guy to Do?