Follow-up after Curative Therapy
Most recurrences occur in the first 2 years after curative therapy.
It is recommended that surveillance should be used most frequent and intensive during this time.
Surveillance includes the use of physical examinations by physician, tumor markers (blood tests), chest x-rays, and pelvic CT scans. Follow up surveillance schedules are determined based on diagnosis and staging of tumor
It is very common for you to have a physical examination and blood tests (tumor markers) monitored every 3 months for the first two years following treatment. A chest x-ray and pelvis CT scan usually is performed twice a year for the first two years. These tests help to detect recurrence of cancer, spread of cancer to other areas in the body (metastasis), and new tumor; therefore, follow up care is very important.
Please make an effort to keep all of your appointments and follow the instructions of your cancer care team carefully. Report any new or recurring symptoms immediately.
Please see the schedule below for an example of a recommended follow up schedule.
Recommended Minimum Follow-Up Schedule for Post-Orchidectomy Surveillance, Radiotherapy or Chemotherapy:
Procedure 1 year 2 year 3-5 years After 5 years
Physical Exam 3 monthly 3 monthly twice/year once/year
Tumor Markers 3 monthly 3 monthly twice/year once/year
Chest X-ray twice/year twice/year once/year once/year
Pelvic CT scan twice/year twice/year once/year once/year