Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK affecting 1 in 8 men. If you’re over 50, or you’re Black, or you have a family history of prostate cancer, then your risk is higher.
Introducing the one-stop prostate biopsy service at SWFT, Mr Kaba conducts local anaesthetic transperineal biopsies of the prostate using PRECISION point for men with elevated PSA levels and abnormal prostate MRI scans.
Prostate cancer FAQs
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Many men with early prostate cancer do not experience any symptoms, while others may notice urinary changes similar to those seen in benign prostate conditions, such as benign prostate enlargement. These can include a weak urine stream, increased frequency of urination, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Because of this symptom overlap, timely assessment and investigation are essential.
What is elevated PSA?
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and its levels can be measured through a blood test. PSA levels can be elevated for various reasons, including prostate cancer, benign prostate enlargement, or inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis). Sometimes, intense exercise, changes in ejaculation and urinary tract infections can also cause a raised PSA.
Factors such as age, prostate size, and infections can influence PSA levels, so results are always interpreted in the context of your overall health and medical history. It is important to remember that PSA testing is a useful tool in the early detection of prostate cancer, which can often be treated effectively when identified at an early stage.
What investigations are there for elevated PSA?
If your PSA level is elevated, further investigations can help determine the cause. At Rahim Kaba’s practice, most patients will undergo a multi-parametric MRI scan of the prostate before any biopsy is considered. MRI scanning is a highly effective, non-invasive imaging method that helps to detect any suspicious areas within the prostate that may indicate cancer, providing valuable information to guide decision-making.
If the MRI identifies areas of concern, a targeted and systematic trans-perineal prostate biopsy may be recommended to obtain tissue samples for analysis. This approach improves the accuracy of diagnosis while minimising the risks associated with prostate biopsies. The trans-perineal technique is considered safer and more accurate than older transrectal methods, reducing the risk of infection and improving detection rates for clinically significant prostate cancer.
These investigations are carried out with careful consideration to ensure that men only proceed to biopsy when it is clinically appropriate, balancing the need for early detection with avoiding unnecessary procedures.
Am I a good candidate for elevated PSA checks?
Men over the age of 50, or over 45 with a family history of prostate cancer or higher risk factors, may consider PSA testing as part of their health monitoring.
It is important to understand the benefits and limitations of PSA testing, and Mr Rahim Kaba will discuss these with you during your consultation.
Mr Kaba offers a comprehensive range of advanced urology treatments and is highly experienced in minimally invasive procedures, providing patients with greater choice and effective options in managing urological conditions.
Mr Rahim Kaba
Mr Rahim Kaba is a highly skilled Consultant Urological Surgeon practicing at Nuffield Heath Warwickshire Hospital in Leamington Spa. He also serves as an Honorary Clinical Lecturer at Warwick Medical School within the South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT).
Mr Kaba treats urinary infections, male urinary/prostatic symptoms, PSA/prostate cancer investigations, haematuria, female incontinence, impotence, penile, and testicular issues.
He specialises in lower urinary tract dysfunction, offering advanced minimally invasive treatments such as REZUM, Urolift, conventional bipolar TURP, and Aquablation for men with lower urinary tract dysfunction in the West Midlands. He played a pivotal role in launching the Aquablation in the West Midlands and conducted the inaugural case.
