Prostate cancer diagnostic pathway

Diagnostic procedures for prostate cancer and a consultation with one of our specialists – all in one day.

About the prostate pathway

Early diagnosis is key to treating prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer affects more men in the UK than any other cancer, but with quick diagnosis and tailored treatment there is a very good chance of beating it. Recognised as a leading cancer hospital in London, we provide swift, comprehensive care for patients with suspected prostate cancer.

Our prostate cancer diagnosis pathway starts with an abnormal PSA (prostate specific antigen) detection at a GP appointment or health assessment, and takes you through the diagnosis and treatment options. The pathway is aimed at picking up the signs of prostate cancer as early as possible.

  1. An abnormal PSA is detected at a GP appointment or health assessment.
  2. You or your GP books an appointment for the prostate care clinic.
  3. You have a pre-clinic phone call with our nurse to talk through reasons for referral and let you know what to expect on the day.
  4. You have an initial consultation with a urologist, multi-parametric (mpMRI) MRI/other diagnostic tests and follow-up consultation to discuss your test results. Depending your test results, you may also have a biopsy if results are abnormal. All of this can be done on the same day.
  5. If your biopsy results are abnormal, you’ll be told about treatment options.

All patients with abnormal biopsy results are discussed at a multidisciplinary meeting to decide a tailored treatment plan.

Watch: How the prostate pathway works

Diagnostic tests for prostate cancer

Depending on your symptoms, you may need to have:

  • blood tests – to measure PSA levels
  • a digital rectal examination (DRE) – your doctor will feel the prostate through the wall of the rectum
  • mpMRI – a special type of MRI scan that identifies whether or not there is any cancer inside your prostate, and how quickly any cancer is likely to grow
  • a prostate biopsy – a small sample of tissue is taken using a very fine needle and sent to a lab for testing
  • ultrasound scans – the prostate gland is examined using a small device inserted into the rectum

Depending on your results, you may also need more further diagnostic scans, including CT scans, bone scans, and/or PET/CT scans.

If you receive an abnormal biopsy result and are diagnosed with prostate cancer, your case will be discussed at a multidisciplinary team meeting, which includes a prostate cancer nurse.

A multidisciplinary team is comprised of a group of experts from different clinical disciplines. They will discuss your biopsy results and jointly devise a tailored treatment plan.

As a leading cancer hospital in London, we provide comprehensive prostate cancer treatment utilising state-of-the-art technology and facilities.

Treatments for prostate cancer

Depending on how far your prostate cancer has developed and your personal needs, the following treatments may be recommended to you.

To find out more about these treatments, please visit our dedicated prostate cancer page.

Why choose us for prostate care diagnostics?

Paying for your treatment

We welcome both self-paying and insured patients.

Our locations

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Please note - regrettably we are unable to answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice via email or telephone.