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A selection from:
Mayo Clinic on Prostate Health
Continuing from Chapter 7 (go to previous part)
What Are Your Options?
Answers to your questions
Is surgery more difficult in some men?
Radical prostatectomy can be more challenging in men who are
obese or who have an especially deep or narrow pelvis. A very
large prostate also can be more challenging to remove. However,
a skilled surgeon should be able to overcome these obstacles.
Isn't radiation harmful?
Uncontrolled amounts of radiation can be dangerous, even deadly.
The amount you receive during radiation therapy is precisely
calculated and controlled to cause only minimal damage to
healthy cells.
Can the radioactive seeds work their way out of the prostate gland?
Occasionally some seeds can get into the urethra and be excreted in
your urine. This generally doesn't cause problems.
Should I get a second opinion before making a decision?
Again, that depends. If you feel confident in your doctor and
comfortable with your treatment plan, a second opinion may not
be necessary. However, if you have some concerns about your
diagnosis, you don't feel confident in your doctor, or you don't feel
comfortable with the treatment he or she is recommending, then it
may be advisable to get another opinion.
[The chapter continues with "10 questions to ask your doctor"]
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