I don't know how the medical protocols work there. But, I got a second opinion on my MRI slides from a second radiologist. Both told me my cancer was prostate contained with no ECE. This enabled me to have more confidence that removing the prostate would remove the cancer. (This may or may not have happened in my case, but that is another topic).
Had one of the radiologist seen any signs of "bulging" (the 2nd radiologist's wording, not mine), it would have (most likely) changed my choice of treatment from surgery to some form of radiation treatment.
In my judgement, you're right on track in your plans to seek a second opinion from a radiologist. I share your concern that, if there is bulging on the MRI pictures, that surgery alone would be curative.
I would also be curious to know what the urologist at the local hospital bases his opinion on that radiation (or a combination of radiation treatments) would be "risky". And what exactly "risky" means.
What a crummy Christmas present.
EDIT: I would be remiss if if I did not echo very strongly that 50 operations are still considered to be in the learning curve for these operations. I'd have grave concerns if someone in my family were having a prostatectomy by a surgeon with only 50 under his belt. 250 MINIMUM and 1000 or more before I would feel comfortable.
Post Edited (island time) : 1/19/2016 12:59:12 PM (GMT-7)