Print PageStreamlining Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
Sunday July 04, 2010
Waiting times for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment will be significantly reduced when a new area in Radiology in Beaumont Hospital opens in October. The area will include two ultrasound rooms which will facilitate ultrasound (TRUS) and biopsy taking for patients with possible prostate cancer. Dr Frank Keeling and Dr Martina Morrin are the lead consultant radiologists for this service.
Beaumont consultant urologist Kashif Siddiqui is the lead surgeon for prostate cancer rapid access. "Patients will see myself and the liaison nurse in the clinic before they go to the new area in Radiology for their ultrasound and biopsy. All of the tests will be completed on the same day," says Mr Siddiqui.
A lead consultant pathologist will provide the histological diagnosis and the patient's course of management will be discussed at the multidisciplinary team meeting. Mr Siddiqui says: "Our aim is to provide patients with their diagnosis within two weeks of their clinic visit".
Mr Siddiqui says that improvements in diagnosis of prostate cancer will be seen at primary care level as GPs will refer their patients to the Rapid Access Service. Mr Siddiqui will review the referrals and patients who fit the triage criteria will be seen at the Rapid Access clinics; those who do not require rapid access will be seen by consultant urologists in general urology clinics.