Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men. Prostate cancers can behave very differently, and a diagnosis does not necessarily mean that immediate treatment or surgery will be required.
The most appropriate approach depends on several factors, including the grade and stage of the cancer, whether it is confined to the prostate, your general health and your individual circumstances.
For patients who require treatment for localised prostate cancer, surgery to remove the prostate may be one of the options considered. Mr Neil Oakley specialises in robotic prostate cancer surgery, including nerve-sparing techniques, with private consultations and assessment available in Sheffield and robotic surgery undertaken in Manchester.
How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
Prostate cancer may initially be suspected following a raised PSA blood test, an examination of the prostate or other clinical findings.
Further assessment may include:
- PSA blood testing
- Clinical examination
- Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) of the prostate
- Prostate biopsy where indicated
- Additional scans or investigations where required
An MRI scan can provide detailed images of the prostate and identify areas that may require further investigation. Where necessary, a biopsy allows tissue samples to be examined to determine whether cancer is present and provide further information about its characteristics.
Following diagnosis, the results of investigations can be considered by a specialist multidisciplinary team (MDT). This brings together expertise from areas including urology, oncology, radiology and pathology to help determine the treatment options appropriate for the individual patient.
Does Prostate Cancer Always Need Treatment?
Not all prostate cancers require immediate treatment.
Some cancers are considered sufficiently low risk that they can be carefully monitored using active surveillance. This can involve regular PSA tests, clinical reviews and further MRI scans or biopsies where appropriate.
The purpose of active surveillance is to monitor the cancer and avoid or delay treatment, and its potential side effects, where immediate treatment is not considered necessary.
If investigations indicate that the cancer is more likely to progress, active treatment may be recommended.
Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer
Treatment is individual to each patient and depends upon the characteristics and extent of the prostate cancer.
Depending on the diagnosis, options may include:
- Active surveillance or monitoring
- Radical prostatectomy
- Radiotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Other treatments where clinically appropriate
Where there is more than one appropriate treatment option, patients should have the opportunity to understand the potential benefits, risks and side effects of each before deciding how they wish to proceed.
Mr Oakley's private surgical practice is particularly focused on patients considering robotic radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.
Robotic Radical Prostatectomy
A radical prostatectomy is an operation to remove the prostate gland as a treatment for prostate cancer. In some circumstances, nearby lymph nodes may also need to be removed.
Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive or ‘keyhole’ surgical approach using the da Vinci robotic surgical system.
The surgeon controls the robotic instruments throughout the operation. The system provides a magnified three-dimensional view of the operating area and enables precise movements of the surgical instruments within the pelvis.
Mr Oakley has extensive experience in minimally invasive and robotic prostate surgery and performs robotic radical prostatectomy for patients where surgery is considered an appropriate treatment option.
Find out more about Robotic Radical Prostatectomy
Nerve-Sparing Robotic Prostatectomy
The nerves involved in erectile function run very close to the prostate gland. For some patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, it may be possible to preserve these nerves while removing the prostate.
This is known as nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.
Whether nerve-sparing surgery can be considered depends on factors including the location and extent of the cancer. The priority of prostate cancer surgery is effective cancer treatment, so preservation of the nerves will not be appropriate in every case.
Nerve-sparing prostatectomy is an important area of Mr Oakley's robotic surgical practice and can be discussed as part of an individual assessment where appropriate.
Read more about Nerve-Sparing Robotic Prostatectomy
Recovery After Robotic Prostate Surgery
Recovery following robotic radical prostatectomy varies between patients. A urinary catheter is normally required temporarily following the operation, and patients are given guidance about recovery and gradually returning to their normal activities.
Two important considerations following prostate removal are urinary continence and erectile function. Recovery differs between individuals and can be influenced by factors including age, health and function before surgery, the characteristics of the cancer and whether nerve-sparing surgery has been possible.
The prostate removed during surgery is examined by a pathologist, and PSA blood testing is subsequently used as an important part of follow-up.
Find out more about Life After Robotic Prostatectomy
Private Prostate Cancer Consultations in Sheffield
Patients diagnosed with prostate cancer in Sheffield, South Yorkshire and surrounding areas can arrange a private consultation with Mr Oakley in Sheffield.
Your consultation provides an opportunity to review your diagnosis and relevant investigations, which may include MRI scans, biopsy results and PSA history, and to discuss whether surgery is an appropriate treatment option.
For suitable patients who decide to proceed with robotic surgery, consultation and pre-operative assessment can be provided locally in Sheffield, with the robotic procedure undertaken in Manchester using the da Vinci robotic surgical system.
This provides a clear pathway for patients from Sheffield and South Yorkshire who wish to access specialist robotic prostate cancer surgery while having appropriate consultations and assessment closer to home.
Find out more about Private Urology Consultations in Sheffield
Considering Robotic Surgery for Prostate Cancer?
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and would like to discuss whether robotic radical prostatectomy may be appropriate for you, arrange a private consultation with Mr Neil Oakley in Sheffield.