Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment in Birmingham
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with around 52,000 new cases diagnosed each year. When detected early, it is highly treatable. Mr Syed Ali Shahzad, Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon, provides expert prostate cancer diagnosis, staging and treatment at private hospitals across Birmingham, drawing on his extensive NHS experience leading cancer MDT meetings and conducting national research trials.
Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate gland grow abnormally. It most commonly affects men over 50 and is more prevalent in men of African-Caribbean heritage and those with a family history of the disease. Prostate cancer behaves very variably: some cancers grow slowly and may never cause problems, while others are aggressive and require prompt treatment.
Symptoms
Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may overlap with those of BPH and include:
- Urinary frequency, urgency or weak flow
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain in the hips, back or pelvis (in advanced disease)
Because early prostate cancer is often symptomless, PSA testing and regular screening are important for at-risk men.
Diagnosis
Mr Shahzad uses a systematic approach to prostate cancer diagnosis:
- PSA blood test to assess prostate-specific antigen levels
- Multi-parametric MRI of the prostate to identify and characterise suspicious areas
- Targeted or systematic prostate biopsy (transperineal or transrectal) to confirm diagnosis and grade the cancer
Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to the cancer’s stage, grade (Gleason/ISUP score), the patient’s age, health and personal preferences. Options include:
- Active surveillance: For low-risk, slow-growing cancers. Regular monitoring with PSA, MRI and biopsy.
- Radical prostatectomy: Surgical removal of the prostate. Mr Shahzad performs this using robotic (da Vinci) and laparoscopic approaches, preserving nerves where oncologically safe.
- Radiotherapy: External beam radiotherapy or brachytherapy, often in combination with hormone therapy.
- Hormone therapy (androgen deprivation therapy): Reduces testosterone, which fuels prostate cancer growth.
- Focal therapies: HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) for selected patients.
Why Choose Mr Shahzad?
Mr Shahzad chairs the weekly Uro-oncology Multidisciplinary Team meeting at Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust and is a Principal Investigator in national prostate cancer research trials. His patients benefit directly from the latest evidence and trial access. He is also a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Birmingham.
Book a Prostate Cancer Consultation in Birmingham
If you have concerns about prostate cancer, early assessment is vital. No GP referral is required. Mr Shahzad is recognised by BUPA, AXA, AVIVA, Vitality, Cigna and WPA. Book an appointment or contact us.