Dr Suzanne Beuker

Consultant Urologist

Nelson, New Zealand

About Haven Urology

  • prostate
  • bladder
  • kidney and testicular cancers
  • urinary symptoms
  • kidney stones
  • scrotal problems

Dr Suzanne Beuker
Consultant Urologist, Nelson, New Zealand

Appointments

Frequently Asked Questions

PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a protein made by the prostate. A high PSA level can happen for many reasons, such as prostate enlargement (BPH), inflammation, infection, or even after certain procedures or activities. Sometimes, it can be a sign of prostate cancer. Suzanne will carefully assess your individual risk and may recommend further tests like an MRI or biopsy if needed.

Prostate cancer can vary greatly — from slow-growing forms that may not need immediate treatment, to more aggressive types that require prompt care. Each patient’s situation is unique, and treatments are tailored specifically for you. Suzanne will guide you through the best options based on your individual diagnosis. These may include active surveillance, radiation treatment, surgery or hormonal treatment.

Seeing blood in your urine (haematuria) can be frightening, but it often has non-cancerous causes such as infection or an enlarged prostate. However, since it can also signal more serious conditions like cancer of the urinary tract, it’s important to get evaluated. Depending on your case, tests such as urine analysis, a CT or ultrasound, or a camera examination of the bladder (cystoscopy) may be recommended.

Bladder cancer ranges from early-stage tumours that can often be removed with a simple endoscopic procedure, to more advanced cases requiring chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Suzanne will discuss the specific type and stage of your cancer and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

For kidney cancers caught early, surgery is often the best option. When possible, only the tumour is removed (partial nephrectomy) to preserve kidney function. In some cases, the entire kidney may need to be removed. Suzanne will ensure that you see the best specialist to treat your cancer. This may mean keyhole surgery with or with a surgical robot, in Christchurch, Wellington or Auckland.

Urinary symptoms are very common and can be due to various factors like bladder issues, prostate enlargement, medications, or nerve-related causes. Suzanne will take a detailed history, perform an exam, and may order tests to identify the cause. While not all symptoms can be completely cured, many patients experience significant improvement with treatment, such as TURP (reboring of the prostate).

A lump or swelling in the scrotum can have many causes, from harmless fluid collections (hydroceles) to more serious conditions like testicular cancer. Fortunately, most causes are easily diagnosed with an ultrasound and can often be treated straightforwardly

Kidney stones are quite common and tend to recur in some people. Staying well hydrated, reducing salt, and moderating animal protein intake can help lower the risk. Suzanne can offer personalized advice and discuss treatment options based on the size and location of your stone.

Excellent outcomes after prostate cancer surgery are more likely when your surgery is done by a surgeon who is a specialist in pelvic oncology and does many procedures each year. Suzanne believes that referral to an experienced open or robotic surgeon in Christchurch, Wellington or Auckland will give you the best chance of being continent and potent after your surgery. She has excellent professional links with other urology practices if you require laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Your diagnosis can happen here in Nelson, the best surgery provided in these centres, and then your ongoing care provided in Nelson.