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Fact check: If a person had their prostrate removed and is not having any more treatment and has a psa of .55 how low could he expect to live

Checked on September 13, 2025

1. Summary of the results

The original statement inquires about the life expectancy of a person who has had their prostate removed, is not receiving further treatment, and has a PSA of 0.55. According to the analyses provided, the 10-year survival probability after radical prostatectomy was found to be 75.3% [1], and another study reported a 10-year survival rate of approximately 97% for all groups, including those who underwent prostate removal [2]. Additionally, a study demonstrated that PSA values below 4 ng/mL, such as 0.55 ng/mL, are associated with a low likelihood of aggressive disease or metastatic spread, implying a favorable prognosis after treatment [3]. Furthermore, a cohort analysis showed that patients with low or stable PSA values, like 0.55 ng/mL, have a markedly reduced risk of developing prostate cancer recurrence [4]. Other sources reported 10-year survival rates of 91% [5], 75.3%, and 81.1% [1] for patients after prostate removal, and a study found that among men aged 75 years or older who underwent radical prostatectomy, the overall mortality was 4.3%, with only 0.9% of men dying from prostate cancer-related causes [6].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key aspect missing from the original statement is the age of the individual, as this can significantly impact life expectancy after prostate removal [6]. Another crucial factor is the Gleason score, which is not mentioned in the original statement, but is an important indicator of prostate cancer aggressiveness [3]. Alternative viewpoints include considering the quality of life after prostate removal, as well as the potential side effects of the surgery, which can impact an individual's overall well-being and life expectancy (not explicitly mentioned in the provided analyses). Additionally, the follow-up care and monitoring of the individual after prostate removal can also influence their life expectancy, but this aspect is not discussed in the original statement [4].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading by implying that a single PSA value of 0.55 can accurately predict life expectancy after prostate removal, when in fact, multiple factors contribute to an individual's prognosis, including age, Gleason score, and overall health [3] [6]. Furthermore, the statement may overlook the importance of continued monitoring and follow-up care after prostate removal, which can significantly impact an individual's life expectancy [4]. The pharmaceutical and medical industries may benefit from an emphasis on prostate removal as a treatment option, while patients and healthcare providers may benefit from a more nuanced understanding of the factors influencing life expectancy after prostate removal [2] [5].

Want to dive deeper?
What is the average life expectancy for a person with a PSA level of 0.55 after prostate removal?
How does a PSA level of 0.55 affect the risk of prostate cancer recurrence?
What are the factors that influence life expectancy after prostate cancer treatment?
Can a person with a PSA level of 0.55 after prostate removal still experience prostate cancer symptoms?
What are the long-term side effects of prostate removal on a person's quality of life?