How we assess and diagnose prostate cancer at the Birmingham Prostate Clinic
At Birmingham Prostate Clinic, we approach assessments for prostate cancer differently. We offer prostate cancer assessments not widely available elsewhere, such as the PCA3 test, prostate MRI before biopsy and template biopsy and most recently, the Prolaris score. In some circumstances, our patients have had the ultra-sensitive PSMA prostate PET scans.
These are very significant, beneficial advances in medical technology which enable us to provide patients with a much more personalised risk assessment. This means we are better able to avoid unnecessary biopsies and identify prostate cancer. We welcome patients who are seeking a second opinion on prostate cancer. Our infographic explains all the different stages of prostate cancer assessments and what they all entail.
Please select from the menu below to see all the different assessments we use for prostate cancer.
Prostate MRI before biopsy
Birmingham Prostate Clinic routinely uses enhanced MRI scans before making a decision about whether a biopsy for prostate cancer is necessary.
Template biopsy
A template biopsy is a new way of more accurately assessing and mapping the prostate. It is very valuable for men who have had repeated negative biopsies but are judged to be at high risk of having prostate cancer.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test
The assessments we undertake include the PSA test, using new technology which enables us to obtain your result more rapidly. This means we can carry out your test and the consultant urologist discuss your results with you during a single visit.
PCA3 test
We are also one of a small number of UK centres to offer the PCA3 test, a different measurement which is based on genetics and together with the PSA test, provides a more complete picture of individual risk.
Staging and grading of prostate cancer
For men with a diagnosis of prostate cancer, staging and grading (Gleason score) are important measures of the size and location of your tumour and how it is likely to behave.
To read more about all the prostate cancer assessments offered at Birmingham Prostate Clinic, please go to the menu at the top of the page or click on any of the links in the sections above on the PCA3 test, PSA, staging and grading of prostate cancer.
PSMA based PET scans for prostate cancer
PSMA based PET scans for prostate cancer are typically carried out after first line treatment for men with high risk prostate cancer if there is suspicion of residual disease.