Second opinions
Getting a second opinion for any medical condition can be useful. With prostate cancer, where many of the standard treatments have serious side-effects and new treatments are available that aren’t widely known about, it’s crucial.
At The Focal Therapy Clinic, it’s our mission to help you feel confident in the choice you’ve made about your treatment and your future. We have found up to a third of men we see end up having more options available to them after we review their results.
Our specialists have the time to explain your condition, help you understand your prostate cancer journey so far and answer any questions you might have.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Why should I get a second opinion after prostate cancer diagnosis?
How often could focal therapy be an option for someone told they need a prostatectomy?
“Question everything, and if you’re not happy with what you’re hearing, say, look, you know, I appreciate your opinion, but I’d like to get a second opinion….you’ve only got to do a single search and you’ll find so many different organisations. And The Focal Therapy Clinic is the one that comes up number one on the search…”
Ian Paul
The Focal Therapy Clinic patient
Why should I get a second opinion?
Because focal therapy isn’t being done in many NHS hospitals, many specialists may not know about it, or who is right for it. This might mean they aren’t able to discuss it with you when talking about treatment options.
Watch: Do I need a referral to come to The Focal Therapy Clinic?
Our team includes world-renowned radiologist Clare Allen, who specialises in reading and interpreting mpMRI scans. Thanks to her many years of experience, she can accurately define the areas of concern on MRI images of the prostate gland and discuss alternative treatment options for each case.
If needed, we can also redo PSA tests and biopsies using the latest transperineal techniques to ensure that the information you have been given is accurate. We also discuss all potential patients in our comprehensive MDTs which help us consider what risks and benefits matter most important to you in a treatment.
After a second opinion, you might decide to stay with your original urologist’s recommendation. We have found that up to a third of the men we see find they have other options they weren’t aware of after we review their results.
Can I afford to wait?
Generally, prostate cancer is a slow growing cancer. Because we have a number of expert urology specialists in our team, we are able to see you for a second opinion within weeks or days, if needed. This means you can see us long before your scheduled treatment and make sure you have made your decision with all the information possible.
Watch: How soon can I get an appointment?
If you have high-risk, aggressive prostate cancer, or prostate cancer with a Gleason score above 7 or which has moved beyond the prostate gland, your consultant is likely to have recommended radical treatment as soon as possible. People with this kind of cancer wouldn’t be suitable for focal therapy.
Can I get a second opinion on the NHS?
You have the right to request a second opinion within the NHS, although waiting times can be around a few months. Getting a second opinion at The Focal Therapy Clinic gives you access to a team of leading urological surgeons, radiologists and oncologists who combine the latest science with their experience of treating the person, not the cancer.
Any questions?
If you’ve got any questions about your prostate cancer diagnosis or want to know more about HIFU or NanoKnife, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team.
