Prostate Cancer
Recurrence in Santa Fe

Following a prostate cancer diagnosis, regular follow-up evaluations are important for monitoring your condition. During these follow-up visits, imaging studies and other diagnostic tests may detect signs of recurrent disease or identify new areas that require further evaluation.

If the prostate gland has been removed, prostate-specific antogens (PSAs) decrease and are eventually undetectable. The same is true of radiation therapy, with PSA levels dropping to either a stable or low level.

Prostate cancer is usually observed recurring in tissue near the site of the original cancer, or in the pelvic lymph nodes or seminal vesicles. The cancer may also recur in muscles controlling urination, or in the rectum or pelvic wall. This is known as metastasis.

What is the rate of recurrence?

Early detection and accurate diagnosis play an important role in helping healthcare providers evaluate prostate cancer and develop an appropriate care plan. Routine screening and advanced imaging can help identify the disease at an earlier stage, when more management options may be available.

That said, many prostate cancer patients are in their senior years, so are much more likely to die from causes other than prostate cancer.

10% of patients with prostate cancer, unfortunately, do not have the disease identified early enough to prevent metastasis. The cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. The prognosis for this group is not nearly as good.

Only 38% of these patients will live for a further 5 years.

Indicative factors

There are several red flags indicating that the prostate cancer has either returned or is spreading:

  • The presence of cancer cells in the pelvic lymph nodes can be a strong indicator of recurrence.
  • Larger tumors represent a greater risk of recurrence.
  • The Gleason score (derived from the results of a biopsy), when high, points to a risk of recurrence.
  • Accurate staging through advanced imaging helps physicians assess the extent of prostate cancer and supports informed clinical decision-making.

Evaluating Prostate
Cancer Recurrence

If prostate cancer recurrence is suspected, your healthcare provider may recommend additional diagnostic imaging to gather more information about the location and extent of the disease. Factors such as PSA levels, previous imaging findings, symptoms, and your overall medical history help determine the most appropriate evaluation.

Advanced imaging exams, including PSMA PET/CT and prostate MRI when appropriate, provide detailed images that can help identify areas of suspected recurrence. These studies assist physicians in determining whether cancer is confined to the prostate or has spread to other parts of the body.

The information obtained from diagnostic imaging supports accurate staging and helps healthcare providers make informed decisions about further evaluation and ongoing patient care. Because every patient's situation is unique, imaging plays an important role in developing an individualized management plan.

Schedule an Appointment

X-Ray Associates of New Mexico

X-Ray Associates of New Mexico has been bringing patients in this state the most up-to-date radiological imaging services available for more than 65 years.

With six locations across New Mexico, we’ve made diagnostic imaging more accessible for patients here.

Patients with prostate cancer recurrence in Albuquerque have a superior resource in our services, supported by focused customer care, personalized service and quality imaging.

We know that facing prostate cancer recurrence is a daunting prospect. But we also know that our patients receive outstanding, compassionate care and the most accurate testing available.