The NHS has approved new diagnostic tools to help detect prostate cancer in men.

In some instances the current tests used to confirm a prostate cancer diagnosis can carry a risk of infection.

As a result the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has approved four tests for NHS use which carry a lower risk of infection.

Men with suspected prostate cancer are currently given an MRI scan and if this suggests prostate cancer, the patient will be offered a biopsy to confirm.

A sample of the prostate is collected under local anaesthetic for analysis to further confirm.

The Argus: A new method of biopsy has been approved (PA)A new method of biopsy has been approved (PA) (Image: PA)

There are two methods for performing biopsy – transrectal ultrasound guided (TRUS) biopsy and a local anaesthetic transperineal (LATP) biopsy.

Nice said that TRUS can be associated with serious infections, sometimes requiring hospital admission and antibiotics.

The body has approved four new LATP biopsy devices for use in the NHS in England as options for helping to diagnose prostate cancer.

It said that the rates of detection of cancer do not differ between each type of biopsy and that the LATP is more cost effective for the NHS.

Chiara De Biase, director of support and influencing at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “LATP biopsies have been available on the NHS for several years and are a quick and cost-effective way of detecting prostate cancer.

“Most importantly, however, they result in fewer cases of infection and sepsis than more traditional TRUS biopsies, and ultimately cause less harm to men.

“That’s why we’re pleased that this technique will now be more widely available to men where clinically appropriate.”