Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Prostate Cancer – Private Urologist in Manchester

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with approximately 41,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Around 1 in 6 men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime, and it accounts for approximately 10,000 deaths annually.

However, outcomes are significantly improved with early diagnosis and treatment. When detected at an early stage, clinically significant prostate cancer has a high cure rate.

At our practice, we provide expert prostate cancer assessment and management in Manchester, with a focus on early detection, accurate diagnosis, and personalised treatment.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Several well-established factors increase the risk of developing prostate cancer:

• Age – risk increases as men get older
• Ethnicity – Afro-Caribbean men have a higher risk, while men of East Asian origin have a lower risk
• Family history – higher risk if a father, brother, or close male relative has had prostate cancer

There are also other possible contributing factors, although these are less clearly understood.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Early-stage prostate cancer often causes no symptoms and may be present for many years before being detected.

As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:

• Increased urinary frequency, particularly at night (nocturia)
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Discomfort when passing urine
• Difficulty urinating or urinary retention
• Erectile dysfunction
• Blood in the urine (haematuria)
• Advanced symptoms: persistent pain in the lower back, pelvis, or thighs, and unexplained weight loss

It is important to note that these symptoms are commonly caused by non-cancerous conditions, such as benign prostate enlargement or urinary tract infections. However, they should always be assessed by a specialist.

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

While a prostate biopsy is the only definitive way to diagnose prostate cancer, several non-invasive tests can help assess risk and guide the need for further investigation.

Non-Invasive Tests

• Prostate examination (DRE)
• PSA blood test (including total PSA and free-to-total ratio)
• PSA density (PSA level relative to prostate size)
• Advanced/Novel blood tests such as Stockholm3 and Proclarix
• Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) or biparametric MRI of the prostate

These tests help reduce unnecessary biopsies and improve diagnostic accuracy.

Prostate Biopsy

A biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

• Modern techniques use MRI-guided targeted transperineal biopsy
• This approach improves accuracy and significantly reduces the risk of infection
• The procedure is safe, precise, and performed under appropriate anaesthesia

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer often grows slowly, and not all cases require immediate treatment. The most appropriate approach depends on the individual patient and the characteristics of the cancer.

Treatment options include:

• Active surveillance (monitoring) – for low-risk cancers

Active surveillance | Prostate Cancer UK

• Radical prostatectomy – surgical removal of the prostate

Prostate Cancer Surgery | Radical prostatectomy | Prostate Cancer UK

• Radiotherapy – including external beam radiotherapy

External beam radiotherapy | Prostate Cancer UK

• Brachytherapy – internal radiotherapy

Permanent seed brachytherapy | Prostate Cancer UK

• Hormone therapy – to control cancer growth

Hormone therapy | Prostate Cancer UK

• Focal or experimental therapies – such as cryotherapy or high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) | Prostate Cancer UK

Not all treatments are suitable for every patient, and some newer therapies may not yet have long-term outcome data. A personalised approach is essential.

Early diagnosis saves lives