Diagnostics
- CT – Computed Tomography
- GE LightSpeed VCT
- MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging – GE Signa HDxt 1.5T
- PET/CT – Positron Emission / Computed Tomography – GE Discovery PET/CT 600
Diagnostic process for prostate cancer
Not all men will get symptoms of prostate cancer, but if they are concerned or have a family history of the disease, make sure they get checked out.
There is currently no screening programme to detect this cancer in the UK; however there’s a blood test available on the NHS to test a person’s PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) score which detects signs of prostate cancer.
When symptoms do present themselves, the signs to be concerned about are:
Urinating problems
– Needing to urinate more often especially at night
– Pain when urinating
– Difficulty passing urine
– Blood in the urine
– Feeling like the bladder hasn’t emptied properly after going to the toilet
– Straining to urinate or taking a long time to pass urine
Problems during or after sex
– Pain during or after sex
– Problems with maintaining or getting an erection
– Blood in semen
Other symptoms
– Pain in the lower back
– Problems with bowels
Testing for prostate cancer through GP visits and NHS
Early detection is the key to successfully treating prostate cancer, especially for men who are at hereditary risk or are over 40. There are several options available to men who wish to get checked for prostate cancer. Through GP visits and the NHS, it is possible to seek testing for prostate cancer, however this process can often be slow and involve multiple meetings – it may even take up to 8 weeks to get a final result.
Fast Track Medical Screening – for peace of mind
..as a 2 hour flight can spare weeks of anxiety and waiting.
Our diagnostics are all conducted under the same roof in just 2 days. We have English speaking treatment staff on hand to help a patient with anything they need, including accommodation and transport arrangements; we will also be available 24/7 in urgent cases.
Once tests have finished, the patient will receive their test results within 10-14 days in English, the diagnostics will only take two days, however our doctors do recommend to stay in Prague for a third night to rest before they travel home.
Day 1:
We do not perform biopsies at the Proton Therapy Center, however, upon request we are able to arrange a biopsy for prostate cancer patients with one of the Urologists that cooperate with our centre.
On their first day they will receive an initial check-up which includes:
- Consultation
- Prostate Examination
- Official request for the MRI to be given
- Antibiotics are given to patient (in case a biopsy is necessary)
- PSA blood test
- Coagulation tests (this is in case a further biopsy is needed)
- MRI scan and doctor’s assessment of your prostate
Day 2:
On day 2 the patient will receive their PSA test results. They’ll also undergo additional tests if the diagnostics indicate they have cancer of the prostate or if the doctor recommends it for them. In the case of a biopsy they’ll be asked to avoid taking blood thinners 7 days before the biopsy.
Before having a biopsy, the patient will be given antibiotics one day prior to avoid any infection, we’ll also ask them to bring a urine sample for cultivation. The purpose of the biopsy is to give an accurate T-staging and Gleason score which will determine the extent of the cancer.
Day 3:
Our doctors do prefer it if the patient can stay in Prague an additional night to rest, but if they’re unable to do this, they’ll be able to fly home.
What will we need:
Previous medical records are always requested from our doctors, if the patient has been diagnosed with prostate cancer before coming to the Proton Centre, we will require:
- Any information they have about their prostate cancer
- Any previous treatments for cancer
- Course of the disease
Other information we will need:
- Any current or previous diseases
- Any allergies you have
- Previous surgeries
Cost
Our package is split into two as a biopsy may not always be needed; the prices of the packages are:
- Diagnostic package (excluding biopsy): £1480
- Diagnostic package including biopsy: Price to be discussed upon arrangement
