Hospital in Leeds is one of first in region to offer faster and more targeted tests for prostate cancer

The introduction of an ultrasound prostate biopsy procedure, Transperineal biopsy, is helping Spire Leeds Hospital to lead the way in the early detection and fight against prostate cancer.

This new ultrasound equipment is so targeted it can sometimes detect cases other tests might miss and is performed under local, rather than general anaesthetic, allowing patients to attend as a day patient rather than having to stay overnight in hospital.

Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, having overtaken breast cancer. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime and the numbers are rising with more than 47,500 men diagnosed with the condition every year – that’s 129 men a day.

Every 45 minutes one man dies from prostate cancer – that’s 11,500 a year.

Dr Oliver Hulson, consultant radiologist at Spire Leeds Hospital added: "It’s a welcome addition to the services we can offer and will dramatically improve the patient experience. This new procedure is safe and accurate. It’s performed under local anaesthetic in the Radiology Department. The risk of an associated infection is significantly reduced – less than one per cent compared with the standard method of up to five per cent, which is a huge benefit especially during the current and any future pandemics.”

The test involves an ultrasound-guided needle biopsy that looks for cancer cells in the prostate and takes samples which are later examined under a microscope. The whole procedure from the start to the patient leaving the department is approximately an hour and 20 minutes.

Retired West Yorkshire GP, Dr Dhirubhai Mistry, 72, who now performs philanthropic work around the world, was one of the first to have the TP biopsy at Spire following a blood test, which showed raised levels.

He said, “Overall it was a positive experience. I was looked after by a highly experienced, professional team in a calm environment and felt very reassured throughout. It was quick and I felt no pain other than the equivalent of a pinprick, similar to having a vaccination.”

Following the biopsy at Spire, Dr Mistry was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

He had 20 sessions of radiotherapy and is now cured. “I’m lucky it was caught early and had not spread. The cancer was confined to the prostate gland. I would say to others who might be concerned about having the test; don’t ignore the symptoms and there’s no need to be anxious, the test is for your benefit. Catch it before it can spread.”

The prostate is a gland, usually the size and shape of a walnut that grows bigger as you get older. It sits underneath the bladder and surrounds the uretha, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body. The prostate’s main role is to make semen – the fluid that carries sperm.