In this situation, the patient may be spared the side effects, inconvenience and expense of treatment. The choice between the two treatments depends on the patient's individual preference as well as consideration of the possible side effects and complications of each treatment. It is recommended that the patient with this stage of cancer meet with a urologist and a radiation oncologist to get a firsthand evaluation and opinion, as well as thoroughly discuss any questions he might have. Because the cancer has spread outside of the prostate, the likelihood that cancer will be left behind after surgery is high. This would necessitate further treatment, usually radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy can be effective in killing microscopic deposits of cancer left behind.
Most doctors would recommend radiation therapy from the very beginning for this stage of cancer in order to minimize the chance of unnecessary side effects and complications. Prostate cancer does not always progress very quickly, and treatment may be very effective in relieving symptoms and temporarily controlling the cancer. The treatment depends on the location and extent of the cancer, as well as the symptoms being experienced by the patient. The metastasis in the thighbone, however, may weaken the bone and cause a fracture, and a fracture in this location would be crippling. If the rib metastasis is painful, then treatment here may also be necessary.