Private prostate cancer diagnostics: what happens and what it costs
A private prostate cancer assessment in the UK is usually a consultation, a PSA blood test, a multiparametric MRI (typically £800–£1,500) and, usually only if the scan shows an area of concern, a targeted transperineal biopsy (typically £3,000–£6,000). At The Focal Therapy Clinic the consultation is £250 including VAT, and every MRI is second-read by two specialist uroradiologists before any biopsy decision.
Key takeaways
The modern pathway is MRI first: NICE guidance (NG131) recommends multiparametric MRI as the first-line investigation for suspected localised prostate cancer, and many men avoid a biopsy altogether.
The diagnostic prices on this page are typical UK private-market ranges, not Focal Therapy Clinic prices; any cost outside the fixed-price treatment package is set out before you book.
A scan or biopsy you already have is reviewed first, and repeated only if needed: review of your existing MRI and biopsy is included in the fixed-price focal therapy package.
In the clinic's 36-month audit of 881 patients, the second read of the MRI found clinically significant cancer in a previously unreported location in 1 in 6 men.
What a private prostate cancer assessment involves
1. Consultation and PSA
Your assessment starts with a consultation with a consultant urological surgeon — £250 including VAT at The Focal Therapy Clinic, the same price in person, by phone or by video. It includes a review of your case at the clinic's multidisciplinary team meeting and detailed recommendations. If your PSA was raised recently, it is usually repeated before any scan or biopsy, because a newly raised PSA often settles on retest.
2. Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) — the first-line scan
NICE guidance (NG131) recommends multiparametric MRI as the first-line investigation for suspected localised prostate cancer, reported on a five-point scale. In the PROMIS trial, mpMRI detected 93% of clinically significant cancers compared with 48% for standard TRUS biopsy, and 27% of men could avoid a primary biopsy with MRI triage. At The Focal Therapy Clinic every mpMRI is second-read by two specialist uroradiologists, Dr Clare Allen and Prof Francesco Giganti, before a biopsy decision is made. Read more about what a prostate MRI scan shows.
3. Targeted transperineal biopsy — usually only if the MRI shows an area of concern
NICE recommends an MRI-influenced biopsy when the MRI score is 3 or more, and says a biopsy can be considered unnecessary when the score is 1 or 2, after the risks and benefits have been discussed with you. The biopsy is taken through the perineum rather than the rectum and is MRI-targeted: fusion software overlays your scan onto live ultrasound so the needle samples the exact area of concern. MRI-targeted biopsy detects 36.3% of clinically significant cancers versus 27.6% with standard TRUS biopsy, and in the VISION analysis 32.2% of men were able to avoid a biopsy (VISION, European Urology, 2024). The Focal Therapy Clinic is the only institution in the UK to use MRI-US fusion technology on all of its focal therapy cases — every case since 2020. Results typically take two to three weeks. Read more about the transperineal biopsy.
4. PSMA PET-CT — when the cancer's extent needs confirming
A PSMA PET-CT scan is added when it would change the decision: for newly diagnosed intermediate- or high-risk cancer, when PSA is rising after previous treatment, or when your team needs to confirm the cancer is still confined to the prostate before recommending focal therapy. Read more about the PSMA PET scan.
5. Multidisciplinary review and your options
Every case is discussed at the clinic's multidisciplinary team meeting — consultant urological surgeons, uroradiologists and an oncologist — before any recommendation is made. You then receive detailed recommendations that set out whether focal therapy (HIFU or NanoKnife), surgery, radiotherapy or active surveillance fits your cancer and your priorities. Check whether you are suitable for focal therapy, or ask for an independent second opinion on results you already have.
What private prostate diagnostics typically cost in the UK
The figures below are typical UK private-market ranges for self-paying patients, given to help you budget. They are not Focal Therapy Clinic prices: the exact cost of any test depends on the hospital where it is done, and at The Focal Therapy Clinic there are no hidden fees — any cost outside the package is set out before you book.
| Test or appointment | Typical UK private cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation | £250 including VAT at The Focal Therapy Clinic (typically £250–£350 across the UK) | Includes review of your case at the multidisciplinary team meeting |
| Follow-up consultation | typically £175–£250 | |
| Multiparametric prostate MRI (mpMRI) | typically £800–£1,500 | The first-line scan; review of an existing MRI is included in the treatment package |
| Transperineal prostate biopsy | typically £3,000–£5,000 | Usually only if the MRI shows an area of concern |
| MRI–ultrasound fusion (targeted) biopsy | typically £3,000–£6,000 | The targeted form of the transperineal biopsy |
| PSMA PET-CT scan | around £1,800–£2,500 | Only when it would change the decision |
For the cost of treatment itself — HIFU from £14,000 and NanoKnife from £15,000, including VAT — see our fees page.
What's included in the fixed-price treatment package, and what is separate
The fixed-price focal therapy package covers a review of your existing MRI and biopsy, the procedure itself, the anaesthetist's fee and the hospital day-case stay. The initial consultation (£250), a new biopsy if one is needed, and follow-up PSA tests and MRI scans (usually arranged through the NHS) are separate.
Why the second read matters: 1 in 6
Not all MRI scans and reports are equal. At The Focal Therapy Clinic every MRI is contoured and second-read by Dr Clare Allen, who was lead radiologist on the PROMIS trial and has been instrumental in establishing standards for prostate MRI reporting over the last 15 years, and Prof Francesco Giganti, first author of the PI-QUAL prostate MRI quality standard. In our internal audit of MRI-ultrasound fusion targeted biopsies over the last 36 months (881 patients), this second review found areas of concern on MRI review in 40.4% of patients and identified clinically significant lesions in overall 16% of patients — 1 in 6 men had clinically significant cancer found in a previously unreported location. If you already have a scan or biopsy, that is what a second opinion at the clinic reviews.
NHS or private?
On the NHS, diagnostic tests are free once you are referred, and NICE guidance (NG131) recommends multiparametric MRI as the first-line investigation for suspected localised prostate cancer; waiting times vary by region. Privately you are usually seen within days or weeks, you choose your consultant, and a scan or biopsy you already have is reviewed first, and repeated only if needed. Using private care does not affect your NHS entitlement, and you can still have NHS treatment afterwards.
Does health insurance cover private prostate diagnostics?
Most major UK health insurers — including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, WPA and Vitality — cover prostate cancer diagnostics and focal therapy when recommended by your consultant urologist. Cover depends on your individual policy, so obtain a pre-authorisation code from your insurer before your first appointment; the clinic provides the procedure codes your policy requires.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Will I have a multiparametric MRI before any biopsy, and who will report it?
- If a biopsy is needed, will it be MRI-targeted and transperineal?
- Can my existing scan or biopsy be reviewed rather than repeated?
- What will each test cost, and what is included in that price?
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Whether you want a PSA test, a second opinion, or simply want to understand your options, The Focal Therapy Clinic is here to help.
Frequently asked questions
A multiparametric prostate MRI typically costs around £800–£1,500 privately in the UK. That is an indicative market range, not a fixed Focal Therapy Clinic price: the exact figure depends on the hospital and whether the report includes a specialist second read. If you already have an MRI, its review is included in the £250 consultation, and a review of your existing MRI and biopsy is included in the fixed-price focal therapy package.
A transperineal prostate biopsy typically costs around £3,000–£5,000 privately in the UK, and an MRI–ultrasound fusion biopsy around £3,000–£6,000 — indicative market ranges rather than fixed prices. At The Focal Therapy Clinic a new biopsy, if one is needed, is arranged and charged separately from the fixed-price treatment package, and the cost is set out before you book.
A consultation with a consultant urological surgeon (£250 including VAT at The Focal Therapy Clinic, including review of your case at the multidisciplinary team meeting), a PSA blood test if yours is not recent, a multiparametric MRI as the first-line investigation, and a targeted transperineal biopsy usually only if the MRI shows an area of concern. A PSMA PET-CT scan is added where the cancer's extent needs confirming.
Yes. Review of your existing MRI and biopsy is included in the fixed-price focal therapy package. Every MRI is second-read by two specialist uroradiologists, Dr Clare Allen and Prof Francesco Giganti, before any biopsy decision. In our internal audit of MRI-ultrasound fusion targeted biopsies over the last 36 months (881 patients), this second review found areas of concern on MRI review in 40.4% of patients and identified clinically significant lesions in overall 16% of patients.
Not always. NICE guidance (NG131) says a biopsy can be considered unnecessary when the MRI score is 1 or 2, after the risks and benefits have been discussed with you. In the PROMIS trial, mpMRI had a negative predictive value of 89% for clinically significant cancer, and 27% of men could avoid a primary biopsy with MRI triage. Your consultant weighs the scan, your PSA and your history together.
Only when it would change the decision: typically for newly diagnosed intermediate- or high-risk cancer, when PSA is rising after previous treatment, or when your team needs to confirm the cancer is still confined to the prostate before recommending focal therapy. Privately it typically costs around £1,800–£2,500; it is available on the NHS within set eligibility criteria.
Usually within days or weeks, depending on the hospital and the tests needed. The Focal Therapy Clinic sees patients in six UK cities — London, Birmingham, Manchester, Windsor, Guildford and Southampton — and the initial consultation is the same price in person, by phone or by video.
Learn more about focal therapy for prostate cancer
Prostate Cancer Survey: 93% of Men Had Never Heard of Focal Therapy
How Accurate Is a Urine Test for Prostate Cancer — and Can It Replace PSA or MRI?
Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy Safe After Prostate Cancer Treatment?
Sources
Ahmed HU et al. Diagnostic accuracy of multi-parametric MRI and TRUS biopsy in prostate cancer (PROMIS). The Lancet 2017;389:815–822.
Kasivisvanathan V et al. VISION: MRI-targeted versus standard biopsy for prostate cancer diagnosis. European Urology 2024;87(5):512–523 — co-authored by The Focal Therapy Clinic's Dr Aqua Asif.
Giganti F, Ng A, Asif A, Allen C et al. Global Variation in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality of the Prostate (PI-QUAL). Radiology 2023;309(1):e231130 — three Focal Therapy Clinic radiologists among the authors: Prof Francesco Giganti (first author), Dr Clare Allen and Dr Aqua Asif.
NICE NG131 — Prostate cancer: diagnosis and management, recommendations 1.2.2–1.2.4.
The Focal Therapy Clinic internal audit of MRI-ultrasound fusion targeted biopsies over 36 months to March 2026 — 881 patients, 2,235 targeted lesions, complete histology.
Treatment and consultation prices: The Focal Therapy Clinic fees page; diagnostic price ranges are typical UK private-market figures.
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