Private Oncology & Haematology in Sutton Coldfield

A worrying blood test result, an unexplained lump or months of unexplained fatigue deserve more than a 10-minute GP appointment. At The Vesey, Dr Amir Shenouda — Consultant Haematologist, MRCPath, FRCPath — offers a thorough initial assessment, same-day haematology bloods and a clear written plan, typically within seven days of your call.

Conditions we assess

Dr Shenouda sees patients with a wide range of haematological and oncology-related concerns. Many come with unexplained blood test abnormalities, symptoms that haven't been properly investigated, or a need for faster access than the NHS 2-week wait pathway provides.

Procedures & transparent pricing

All prices below are the fees charged at The Vesey. You will receive a clear quote before any procedure begins. CT and PET scanning are performed at accredited regional centres and quoted separately.

Prices accurate as of May 2026. Complex cases and multi-test packages quoted individually. Histology and imaging costs quoted at point of referral.

What to expect

From booking to your written report, this is the typical journey for a new haematology patient at The Vesey.

Understanding tumour markers — what they can and cannot tell you

Tumour markers are proteins produced by cancer cells or by normal cells in response to cancer. They are measured in blood and can support cancer diagnosis, monitoring and recurrence detection. However, they are widely misunderstood.

PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is produced by prostate tissue — both normal and cancerous. An elevated PSA (generally above 4 ng/mL, but age-adjusted) warrants urology review, but PSA is also raised in benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis and after cycling or sexual activity. PSA has a sensitivity of approximately 80% and specificity of 70% for prostate cancer in asymptomatic men.

CA-125 is elevated in approximately 80% of advanced ovarian cancers but is also raised in endometriosis, fibroids, menstruation and liver disease. CA-125 alone should never be used as a screening test in low-risk women. Combined with transvaginal ultrasound (coordinated via The Vesey's gynaecology team), sensitivity improves substantially.

CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) is associated with colorectal, lung, breast and pancreatic cancers. It is used primarily for monitoring response to treatment and detecting recurrence rather than initial diagnosis. Raised CEA in a non-cancer context includes smoking, liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease.

AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) is a marker for hepatocellular carcinoma and testicular germ-cell tumours. Levels above 400 ng/mL in combination with characteristic liver imaging are diagnostic of HCC. In the UK, AFP is used in surveillance of patients with cirrhosis.

Dr Shenouda provides a personal consultation to interpret all marker results in the context of your symptoms, history and risk factors — not simply a letter with numbers. This contextualised interpretation is what transforms a blood panel from a source of anxiety into a clinically useful result.

Haematological assessment — unexplained anaemia, lymphadenopathy and abnormal blood film

The full blood count (FBC) is one of the most requested investigations in UK healthcare — and one of the most under-interpreted. An abnormal result handed to a patient without context generates significant anxiety. Specialist haematological review transforms that anxiety into an action plan.

Unexplained anaemia affects approximately 25% of the global population. In the UK, the most common causes are iron deficiency (often due to menstrual loss or gastrointestinal bleeding) and anaemia of chronic disease. However, haemolytic anaemia, B12/folate deficiency, thalassaemia trait, sideroblastic anaemia and early myelodysplastic syndrome all require specialist differentiation. A blood film reviewed by a haematologist provides information — cell morphology, red cell indices, reticulocyte count — that automated analysers cannot.

Lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes) is a common presentation across all age groups. In most cases, cause is reactive (infection, inflammation). However, persistent painless lymphadenopathy — particularly in the neck, axilla or inguinal region lasting more than 6 weeks without infectious cause — warrants haematological assessment. The classic B-symptoms of lymphoma (drenching night sweats, weight loss >10% over 6 months, unexplained fever >38°C) significantly raise the index of suspicion. Dr Shenouda will examine lymph node characteristics (size, consistency, mobility, tenderness) and initiate appropriate investigation — FBC with film, LDH, ESR, CT staging — at the first appointment.

Abnormal blood film findings that Dr Shenouda regularly evaluates include: blast cells (suggest acute leukaemia), hypersegmented neutrophils (B12/folate deficiency), target cells (liver disease, haemoglobinopathy), Howell-Jolly bodies (asplenia), spherocytes (haemolysis), and rouleaux formation (myeloma, inflammatory conditions). Each pattern points towards a specific diagnostic pathway.

Frequently asked questions