Prostate Care

*Non-clinical data (including patient recommendations) gathered from the 2024 Cleveland Clinic London Patient Experience Survey.

Diagnosing Prostate Conditions at Cleveland Clinic London

Many prostate conditions can cause similar symptoms, such as changes in urination, pelvic pain and elevated PSA levels, so getting the right diagnosis is key to effective treatment.

Diagnosing prostate cancer

You might not notice any signs of prostate cancer in the early stages, but if something feels different or unusual, it’s always worth a check.

Perhaps you are going to the toilet more often, especially at night, or finding it hard to empty your bladder fully. You might feel uncomfortable urinating or ejaculating. Or you might notice blood in your urine or semen. In later stages, you might have pain in your back, hips or chest, or numbness in your legs or feet.

These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should never be ignored. When prostate cancer is found early, treatment is more likely to be successful.

When you come to see us, we’ll discuss what you have been experiencing and review your medical history. If we need to investigate further, we may recommend:

• PSA blood test
• MRI scan
• Digital rectal exam
• Biopsy

Second opinions for prostate cancer

Being diagnosed with prostate cancer can be overwhelming, especially when you are faced with important decisions about treatment. If you have questions or simply want reassurance, getting a second opinion can help you feel more confident about next steps. Our experts offer clear, personalised guidance to help you make informed decisions about your care.

Diagnosing an enlarged prostate

If you are over 40 and are having trouble urinating or have a sudden urge to go, you may have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate.

Your consultant will first assess your symptoms and may recommend a PSA blood test to check for signs of prostate cancer. If the results don’t suggest cancer, but we suspect BPH, your consultant may do a digital rectal exam to see if your prostate is enlarged.

They may also recommend a transrectal ultrasound and possibly a cystoscopy. This procedure uses a slender, lubricated tube with a tiny camera attached to examine inside your prostate and nearby organs. You will have anaesthesia during this procedure to stay comfortable.

Diagnosing prostatitis

When your prostate gland becomes inflamed, it can cause sharp pain in your pelvis, penis or testicles, a benign condition called prostatitis. Possible causes include a bacterial infection or inflammation without an infection.

After discussing your symptoms and medical history, your consultant may do a digital rectal exam to examine your prostate for pain and swelling. They may also test your urine for bacteria and infection, as well as your blood for signs of cancer.

If your condition is more complex, your consultant may recommend a cystoscopy, transrectal ultrasound or urodynamic testing.

Rapid prostate diagnostic clinic

If you are between the ages of 50 and 80 and have a raised PSA level, are over the age of 40 with a family history of prostate or breast cancer, or of Afro-Caribbean ethnicity or Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, you may be eligible for our specialised private prostate cancer screening clinic. The clinic is designed to provide you with a swift, thorough and reassuring assessment, all in a single visit.

During your appointment, you’ll receive:

• An MRI scan of your prostate
• Blood and urine tests
• A consultation with a urology specialist

Our goal is to provide clear answers quickly, so you’re not left waiting or worrying. You will meet with a consultant who will explain your test results and discuss what they may mean for your health.

If they find any signs of prostate cancer, they will guide you through the next steps, which may include further tests or possible treatment options. Our aim is to ensure you feel informed, supported and confident in the decisions ahead.

Call us on +44 20 3423 7440 or email us at [email protected] to check your eligibility and book your appointment.

A Team Approach to Care

Prostate care often involves specialists from several different areas working together to ensure your treatment plan meets your needs and that every aspect of your care is coordinated. Depending on your condition, your team may include:

• Urologists
• Uro-oncologists
• Radiologists
• Pathologists
• Fertility specialists
• Andrology specialists

Expert nursing support

Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) are important members of your prostate care team. They provide expert guidance and support, from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up. Your CNS can explain your condition and treatment options clearly, coordinate your appointments, and offer practical and emotional support when you need it most.

Not all prostate issues are cancer, and not every condition requires treatment. Some can be monitored over time (watchful waiting), while others respond well to medication or minimally invasive procedures. Your treatment plan will depend on your diagnosis, symptoms, and individual needs and goals.

Treating prostate cancer

Prostate cancer often develops slowly, so you might not need treatment straight away. If treatment is needed, prostate cancer can often be treated successfully, particularly when it is found early. We will take the time to explain what your diagnosis means, discuss your goals and help you decide on the approach that’s best for you.

If you hope to have biological children in the future, it is important to let us know this before we decide on your treatment plan. Some prostate cancer treatments can affect fertility, so we can arrange for you to speak with a fertility specialist about options to preserve your fertility before treatment begins.

Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment options may include:

• Active surveillance: We will closely monitor your condition through regular checkups and tests to track any changes.
• Watchful waiting: A less intensive approach, watchful waiting focuses on managing symptoms rather than frequent testing.
• Radiotherapy: This can be either internal (brachytherapy) or external beam treatment to target and destroy cancer cells.
• Robotic high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU): A minimally invasive, robotic day case treatment, HIFU destroys early-stage prostate cancer cells with concentrated ultrasound waves.
• NanoKnife: This procedure targets and destroys cancer cells using precisely controlled electrical pulses.
• Robotic prostatectomy: This minimally invasive surgery allows your surgeon to use robotic equipment to remove your prostate.
• Systemic therapies: These include chemotherapy, immunotherapy or hormone therapy, especially if the cancer has spread beyond your prostate.

Treating an enlarged prostate

Medications are often enough to manage symptoms of BPH. If they are not effective or cause side effects, your consultant may recommend a minimally invasive procedure to improve urine flow. These include:

• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): Uses an electric current to remove excess prostate tissue and relieve blockage
• Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP): Uses a laser to remove excess prostate tissue to improve urine flow

These procedures do not require external incisions, and medication is provided to help keep you comfortable. If a minimally invasive treatment is not suitable, your specialist may recommend other surgical options. Your care team will explain the benefits and risks of each approach and help you choose the treatment that best meets your needs.

Treating prostatitis

Treatment for prostatitis depends on what’s causing the inflammation and which type you have. If a bacterial infection is responsible, your consultant may prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. Rarely, surgery may be needed to drain an abscess.

If you have chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) or another nonbacterial form of prostatitis, treatment focuses on managing your symptoms. This may include medication to improve urine flow or relieve pain, pelvic floor physiotherapy, and other treatments to help reduce muscle tension and discomfort.

Your care team will work with you to identify the treatments most likely to help and adjust your care based on how your symptoms respond.

Ongoing Support After Treatment

After treatment, we continue to support your recovery and help you manage any changes that may affect your well-being. Some prostate treatments can affect your sexual health and function, such as erectile dysfunction (ED), ejaculation disorders and low testosterone. Our andrology consultants provide discreet, expert assessment, guidance and comprehensive care tailored to your individual needs.

Paying for Private Prostate Care at Cleveland Clinic London

For your convenience, we offer two ways to finance your care with us. You may opt to self-pay, or if you prefer, we accept most major private medical insurance plans. If you need help navigating the payment process, we can connect you with a payment specialist.

What’s Next?

Prostate symptoms can have many causes, including prostate cancer, an enlarged prostate and prostatitis. If something feels unusual, we are here to help. At Cleveland Clinic London, our prostate specialists provide expert, compassionate care from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. We support you every step of the way with clarity, reassurance and personalised care.