especially transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). SMC (k) may be warranted if there is associated ED or retrograde ejaculation as a result of treatment or if hormone therapy is used. SMC entitlement is determined on a factual basis. f. Diagnosis of A diagnosis of prostate cancer is made only on the basis of a prostate biopsy. Prostate An elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is diagnostic of cancer. not Cancer by Biopsy g. Rating The table below describes common treatments for prostate cancer as well as Considerations the side effects and rating considerations associated with the treatment. for Prostate Cancer Type of Treatment Potential Side Rating Considerations Effects watchful waiting none, except for the Review to confirm the continued presence continuation of active also called and potential cancer previously metastasis of cancer confirmed by biopsy. conservative management often used when life Evaluate at 100 expectancy is short percent, despite the observation, or due to age or other lack of treatment and surveillance. illness since prostate possible lack of No immediate specific cancer is slow- symptoms. therapy is being used, growing. but cancer is active. radical prostatectomy impotence, and/or In all cases of radical surgery which is prostatectomy, award incontinence. characterized by SMC (k) for loss of use of a creative organ. removal of prostate Consider SC for ED gland and seminal on a facts-found basis. vesicles most common treatment for localized cancer can be curative, and nerve-sparing procedure can be performed to improve chances that the patient will retain normal erectile function. also Consider SMC (k) on a Cryotherapy, impotence known as cryosurgery or facts-found basis. incontinence
especially transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). SMC (k) may be warranted if there is associated ED or retrograde ejaculation as a result of treatment or if hormone therapy is used. SMC entitlement is determined on a factual basis. f. Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer by Biopsy A diagnosis of prostate cancer is made only on the basis of a prostate biopsy. An elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is not diagnostic of cancer. g. Rating Considerations for Prostate Cancer The table below describes common treatments for prostate cancer as well as the side effects and rating considerations associated with the treatment. Type of Treatment Potential Side Effects Rating Considerations watchful waiting also called conservative management observation, or surveillance. No immediate specific therapy is being used, but cancer is active. none, except for the continued presence and potential metastasis of cancer often used when life expectancy is short due to age or other illness since prostate cancer is slow- growing. Review to confirm the continuation of active cancer previously confirmed by biopsy. Evaluate at 100 percent, despite the lack of treatment and possible lack of symptoms. radical prostatectomy surgery which is characterized by removal of prostate gland and seminal vesicles most common treatment for localized cancer can be curative, and nerve-sparing procedure can be performed to improve chances that the patient will retain normal erectile function. impotence, and/or incontinence. In all cases of radical prostatectomy, award SMC (k) for loss of use of a creative organ. Consider SC for ED on a facts-found basis. Cryotherapy, also known as cryosurgery or impotence incontinence Consider SMC (k) on a facts-found basis.
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