Is surgery necessary for early prostate cancer? How much does it cost?

Whether early prostate cancer requires surgical treatment depends on the patient's condition, physical condition and the doctor's comprehensive judgment. The cost of surgery varies depending on the treatment method and hospital level, usually between 30,000 and 100,000 yuan. Patients can choose the treatment method that suits them, including surgery, radiotherapy or observation and waiting, based on pathological classification, disease stage and personal overall health status.

1 Treatment options for early prostate cancer

Early prostate cancer develops slowly and is usually not immediately life-threatening, so the following three options can be selected based on the patient's specific circumstances:

Radical prostatectomy: This surgery is suitable for men who are in good physical condition and younger. It can completely remove the cancer to reduce the risk of recurrence. The cost is about 50,000 to 100,000 yuan, and it will be more expensive if a robot-assisted surgery such as the da Vinci surgery is used.

Radiation therapy: For patients who are concerned about the risks of surgery, external radiation therapy or brachytherapy may be considered. This non-invasive treatment usually costs $30,000 to $60,000, but may cause urination problems or erectile dysfunction.

Watchful waiting: Suitable for older or weaker people. This method is less expensive and only requires regular checkups to monitor whether the cancer is developing.

2 Factors influencing treatment selection

The treatment plan for each patient should be determined based on several factors:

Pathological grading: The lower the prostate cancer grade, such as the Gleason score, the weaker the need for surgery; those with higher grades may be more inclined to surgery or radiotherapy.

Health status: The patient's cardiopulmonary function, metabolic status, etc. need to be assessed. If the patient cannot tolerate general anesthesia, radiotherapy or observation would be more appropriate.

Patient's wishes: Treatment choices must take into account quality of life, especially possible complications after surgery such as urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction.

3 How to pay for treatment

High medical costs can be stressful, but you can reduce the burden by:

Medical insurance reimbursement: my country’s medical insurance can reimburse part of the treatment costs for prostate cancer, so you should keep abreast of the policies.

Charitable Funds: Some cancer relief funds can provide additional funding for families in need.

Commercial insurance: Patients are advised to purchase cancer insurance in advance to cover unexpected expenses.

Early prostate cancer does not necessarily require surgery, but no matter which treatment plan is chosen, a scientific and personalized plan must be developed under the guidance of a doctor. It is recommended to communicate with a professional doctor as soon as possible to clarify the best plan, and at the same time reasonably prepare for treatment costs and pay attention to postoperative physical and psychological rehabilitation issues to improve treatment effects and quality of life.