15 Frequently Asked Questions : Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery in India for Omani Patients

Q1 · What is Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery?

Prostate cancer treatment is designed to control or remove cancer in the prostate and manage cancer that has spread outside the prostate.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include

• Active surveillance
• Radical prostatectomy
• Robotic-assisted prostatectomy
• Laparoscopic prostatectomy
• Open prostatectomy in selected cases
• Pelvic lymph-node dissection
• External-beam radiotherapy
• Stereotactic radiation in selected cases
• Brachytherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy in selected situations
• Radiopharmaceutical treatment for selected advanced disease

Radical Prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy involves removing the prostate and, when appropriate, nearby structures and lymph nodes.

Robotic Prostatectomy

Robotic-assisted surgery may be considered for selected patients with localised prostate cancer.

Radiation Treatment

Radiation may be used instead of surgery for some localised cancers or after surgery in selected situations.

Hormone Therapy

Androgen-deprivation treatment may be used for hormone-sensitive or advanced prostate cancer.

The treatment sequence depends on the cancer's risk group and stage.

Q2 · How much does Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery cost in Oman compared with India?

Costs vary considerably because prostate cancer treatment may involve surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, advanced imaging and long-term follow-up.

For planning purposes, this guide uses

• US$1 ≈ OMR 0.385
• US$1 ≈ INR 96

*Potential savings are indicative planning ranges, not guaranteed savings. Actual costs depend on cancer stage, treatment protocol, hospital, surgeon, radiation technique, medicines, implants or consumables, ICU requirements and complications.

Patients should ask whether the quotation includes

• Urology consultation
• Uro-oncology consultation
• Pathology review
• PSA testing
• Imaging
• Biopsy review
• Surgeon fees
• Anaesthesia
• Operation-theatre charges
• Robotic-system charges where applicable
• ICU
• Hospital room
• Medicines
• Catheter and related consumables
• Lymph-node surgery where required
• Pathology after surgery
• Radiation planning
• Radiation sessions
• Hormone-treatment costs
• Follow-up consultations

For complex cases, patients should request a written treatment plan and itemised quotation.

Q3 · Which Indian cities can Omani patients consider for Prostate Cancer Treatment?

The appropriate city should be selected according to the patient's cancer stage, required surgery or radiation technology, specialist availability, treatment duration and follow-up requirements.

Q4 · Which hospitals in India can Omani patients consider for Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery?

The following hospitals are part of the broad Indian medical-hospital reference list. Important: Not every hospital listed provides every urological cancer procedure, robotic surgery, radiation technology or advanced systemic treatment. Availability should be confirmed according to the patient's exact diagnosis.

Q5 · What types of Prostate Cancer Treatment are available?

Treatment depends on the cancer's risk group, stage and overall health.

Active Surveillance

Some men with low-risk or selected favourable prostate cancers may be monitored closely instead of receiving immediate definitive treatment.

Radical Prostatectomy

The prostate is surgically removed for selected localised or locally advanced cancers.

Robotic-Assisted Prostatectomy

A minimally invasive surgical approach may be appropriate for selected patients.

Lymph-Node Dissection

Pelvic lymph nodes may be removed during surgery when clinically indicated.

External-Beam Radiotherapy

Radiation is directed at the prostate and surrounding target area.

Brachytherapy

Radioactive sources are placed in or near the prostate in selected patients.

Hormone Therapy

Androgen-deprivation therapy may be used for selected intermediate/high-risk, locally advanced or advanced prostate cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be used for selected advanced or metastatic disease.

Targeted Therapy

Selected patients may undergo molecular testing to determine whether targeted treatment is appropriate.

Radiopharmaceutical Treatment

Selected advanced prostate cancers may be considered for specialised radiopharmaceutical approaches.

Combination Treatment

Some patients require combinations such as radiation plus hormone therapy or systemic treatment plus other modalities.

Q6 · Who may be suitable for Prostate Cancer Treatment in India?

Omani patients may consider an Indian urology-oncology opinion when they have

• Newly diagnosed prostate cancer
• High PSA
• High-grade disease
• Locally advanced prostate cancer
• Lymph-node involvement
• Metastatic prostate cancer
• Recurrent disease after surgery
• Rising PSA after radiation
• Uncertainty about the recommended treatment
• Need for a second pathology opinion
• Need for robotic prostate surgery
• Need for advanced radiation
• Need for systemic cancer treatment

Before travelling, patients should ideally know

• PSA level
• Biopsy diagnosis
• Gleason score or Grade Group
• Number of positive biopsy cores where available
• Tumour stage
• Imaging findings
• Previous treatment
• Current medicines
• Previous surgery
• Previous radiation or hormone treatment

A patient should not travel simply on the basis of an elevated PSA without appropriate diagnostic evaluation.

Q7 · What tests are required before Prostate Cancer Treatment?

The evaluation may include

• PSA blood test
• Digital rectal examination where clinically appropriate
• Multiparametric MRI of the prostate
• Prostate biopsy
• Histopathology
• Gleason score / Grade Group
• Immunohistochemistry where appropriate
• CT scan in selected cases
• Bone scan where indicated
• PSMA PET-CT in selected patients
• Kidney-function tests
• Liver-function tests
• Complete blood count
• Testosterone level in selected patients receiving hormone treatment
• Molecular or genomic testing in selected situations

The medical team uses these findings to determine the cancer risk category and stage and to select an appropriate treatment strategy.

Q8 · What medical records should Omani patients send before travelling?

Patients should send a complete urology-oncology file for preliminary review.

Essential Records

• PSA reports
• Prostate biopsy report
• Histopathology report
• Gleason score / Grade Group
• MRI prostate report and images
• CT scan where performed
• Bone scan where performed
• PSMA PET-CT where performed
• Blood-test reports
• Previous operation report
• Discharge summaries
• Previous radiotherapy records
• Previous hormone-treatment records
• Current medication list

For Patients Already Treated

Also provide

• Type of surgery performed
• Surgical pathology report
• Lymph-node results
• Margin status
• Radiation dose and treatment area
• Hormone medicines and duration
• Chemotherapy drug names and cycles where applicable
• PSA trend after treatment
• Follow-up imaging
• Previous complications
• Current disease status

Complete records allow the Indian team to determine whether the patient needs surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted treatment, further imaging or another approach.

Q9 · How does Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery work?

The treatment process generally follows several stages.

Step 1: Diagnosis

Prostate cancer is confirmed through PSA assessment, imaging and biopsy.

Step 2: Risk Assessment and Staging

Doctors assess

• PSA
• Grade Group
• Gleason score
• Tumour stage
• Lymph-node involvement
• Distant spread

Step 3: Imaging

MRI and, where clinically appropriate, PSMA PET-CT or other imaging may be used.

Step 4: Multidisciplinary Review

Uro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists and pathologists may jointly review the case.

Step 5: Treatment Planning

Treatment may include

• Active surveillance
• Surgery
• Radiotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Radiopharmaceutical treatment
• Combination treatment

Step 6: Definitive Treatment

Selected patients may undergo radical prostatectomy, while others may receive radiation-based treatment.

Step 7: Additional Treatment

Hormone therapy or other systemic treatment may be recommended according to the cancer's risk and stage.

Step 8: PSA Monitoring

PSA is monitored after treatment to assess response and detect possible recurrence.

Step 9: Long-Term Follow-Up

Patients require continued monitoring for cancer control and treatment-related effects.

The treatment sequence is not the same for every prostate cancer patient.

Q10 · What are the alternatives to Prostate Cancer Surgery?

Surgery is only one treatment option for prostate cancer. Depending on the diagnosis, alternatives or complementary approaches may include:

Active Surveillance

Selected low-risk or favourable-risk cancers may be monitored with PSA tests, imaging and repeat assessment rather than treated immediately.

Radiotherapy

Radiation can be used as a definitive treatment for selected localised or locally advanced cancers.

Brachytherapy

Selected patients may receive internal radiation treatment.

Hormone Therapy

Androgen-deprivation therapy may be used alone or together with radiation or other treatment.

Chemotherapy

May be used for selected advanced or metastatic cancers.

Targeted Therapy

May be considered when appropriate molecular characteristics are present.

Radiopharmaceutical Treatment

Selected metastatic prostate cancers may be evaluated for specialised radiopharmaceutical treatment.

Palliative Treatment

For advanced disease, treatment may focus on controlling pain, urinary symptoms, bone-related complications and other effects while managing the cancer.

The appropriate approach should be based on the cancer's risk category, stage and individual circumstances rather than choosing surgery simply because it is available.

Q11 · What should Omani patients ask before accepting a Prostate Cancer Treatment quotation?

Patients should ask

• What is the exact prostate cancer diagnosis?
• What is the PSA level?
• What is the Gleason score?
• What is the Grade Group?
• What is the cancer stage?
• Is the cancer confined to the prostate?
• Are lymph nodes involved?
• Has the pathology been independently reviewed?
• Is MRI sufficient or is additional imaging required?
• Is PSMA PET-CT required?
• Is surgery necessary?
• Is robotic prostatectomy appropriate?
• Is radiation treatment an alternative?
• Is hormone therapy required?
• Is chemotherapy required?
• Is targeted therapy appropriate?
• Is radiopharmaceutical treatment appropriate?
• What is the recommended treatment sequence?
• Is ICU care likely?
• What complications could increase the cost?
• Which medicines and consumables are included?
• How long should the patient remain in India?
• What follow-up will be required after returning to Oman?

For complex cases, patients should request a written multidisciplinary treatment plan rather than relying only on a verbal recommendation.

Q12 · How long should Omani prostate cancer patients stay in India?

The duration depends on the treatment plan.

Diagnostic Evaluation

Approximately 3–7 days may be needed for consultation, pathology review, imaging and treatment planning.

Prostate Surgery

Patients undergoing radical prostatectomy may require several days in hospital followed by additional recovery time in India before flying.

The exact duration depends on the surgical approach, recovery and any complications.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy may require repeated visits over several weeks depending on the technique and treatment schedule.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone treatment may be administered through injections or medicines and may continue for months or longer.

Chemotherapy

Some chemotherapy can be administered as daycare treatment, while other regimens may require admission.

Multiple cycles may require repeated visits over several months.

Complex Treatment

Patients receiving combinations such as surgery, radiation and systemic treatment may require a substantially longer overall treatment period.

Before booking flights, families should ask the Indian oncology team

• How many days are required for diagnosis?
• Can treatment start immediately?
• Is surgery the first step?
• How long should the patient stay after surgery?
• Can hormone therapy continue in Oman?
• Can chemotherapy continue in Oman?
• Can radiation be completed in Oman?
• How soon after surgery can the patient fly?

Q13 · What is recovery like after Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery?

Recovery varies according to the treatment selected.

After Prostate Surgery

Patients may require

• Wound care
• Pain management
• Catheter care
• Gradual activity increase
• Physiotherapy where appropriate
• Urinary-function monitoring
• PSA follow-up
• Follow-up pathology review

Some patients may experience temporary urinary leakage or changes in sexual function after prostate surgery.

During Hormone Therapy

Patients may experience treatment-related effects such as

• Hot flashes
• Fatigue
• Reduced sexual desire
• Changes in body composition
• Mood or energy changes
• Bone-health concerns with longer-term treatment

During Chemotherapy

Patients may experience

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Appetite changes
• Low blood counts
• Increased infection risk
• Hair loss with certain regimens

After Radiation

Side effects may involve urinary, bowel or sexual function depending on the radiation technique and treatment area.

Patients should receive written instructions about symptoms that require urgent medical attention.

Q14 · How can Prostate Cancer follow-up be managed after returning to Oman?

Prostate cancer requires ongoing monitoring after treatment.

Before returning to Oman, patients should obtain

• Final diagnosis
• Biopsy and pathology report
• Gleason score / Grade Group
• Operation report where applicable
• Final surgical pathology
• Lymph-node results
• Margin status
• Radiation summary
• Hormone-treatment summary
• Chemotherapy summary where applicable
• Molecular results where applicable
• Medication list
• PSA follow-up schedule
• Recommended imaging schedule
• Follow-up appointment plan
• Warning signs requiring medical review

The Indian oncology team can coordinate with the patient's Omani urologist or oncologist where appropriate.

This can allow

• PSA monitoring in Oman
• Hormone-treatment continuation where medically suitable
• Local blood testing
• Follow-up imaging
• Medication monitoring
• Management of treatment-related complications
• Long-term cancer surveillance

Q15 · Should an Omani patient travel to India for Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery?

India can be considered by Omani patients seeking

• A second prostate-cancer opinion
• Robotic prostate surgery
• Complex uro-oncology surgery
• Advanced radiation treatment
• Multidisciplinary cancer care
• Pathology review
• Advanced imaging
• Hormone therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Selected radiopharmaceutical treatment

However, overseas treatment is not automatically required for every prostate cancer patient.

An Omani patient considering India should compare

• PSA level
• Exact cancer diagnosis
• Gleason score and Grade Group
• Cancer stage
• Pathology findings
• Imaging findings
• Recommended treatment
• Active surveillance options
• Surgical approach
• Robotic technology where appropriate
• Radiation technology
• Specialist experience
• Availability of required medicines
• Total treatment cost
• Expected duration of treatment
• Travel requirements
• Follow-up arrangements in Oman

For many patients, the most useful first step is to obtain an Indian uro-oncology second opinion based on complete medical records before travelling. This can help determine whether the patient actually needs surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted treatment or a combination.