Why are the pelvic lymph nodes important in determining the stage of the prostate cancer?
Often the first place that prostate cancer cells travel outside of the prostate are the lymph nodes. When the prostate cancer cells break away from the tumor, they enter into the body’s fluids (i.e., blood or lymph). The pelvic lymph nodes provide a system that filters bacteria and even the cancer cells out of these fluids. In patients whose prostate cancer has spread outside the prostate (metastasis), the lymph nodes are often filled with prostate cancer cells. The likelihood that prostate cancer spreads to the lymph nodes is closely linked to the PSA and Gleason score. Therefore, if these are favorable, examination of the lymph nodes may be omitted. Will the patient need a letter from his primary care physician prior to surgery? In almost all cases, a letter from the primary care physician indicating that the patient is an acceptable risk for this surgery will be requested. Every patient who chooses to have surgical treatment is required to get medical clearance. This is frequently o
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