Glossary

Active Surveillance

A monitoring strategy for slow-growing cancers involving regular testing and biopsies to track disease progression without immediate aggressive treatment.

Adenocarcinoma

A type of cancer that begins in glandular tissue cells, commonly affecting organs like the prostate, breast, lung, colon, and pancreas, requiring specialized treatment.

Adjuvant Treatment

Additional cancer therapy given after the primary treatment to lower the risk of cancer returning or spreading to other parts.

Adrenal Glands

Small but vital organs located above the kidneys that produce hormones regulating stress response, metabolism, blood pressure, and other essential body functions.

Androgen Deprivation Therapy

A prostate cancer treatment that reduces male hormone levels in the body to slow or stop cancer growth and spread.

Androgen Hormone

Male hormones, including testosterone, that play crucial roles in male sexual development, muscle mass, bone density, and reproductive function.

Anti androgen Drug

Medication that blocks the effects of male hormones in the body, used to treat prostate cancer and other hormone-sensitive conditions.

Antibody

A protective protein produced by your immune system when it detects harmful substances, specifically designed to recognize and help destroy particular disease-causing organisms.

Antigen

A substance that triggers an immune response, causing the body to produce specific antibodies to fight potential threats like bacteria, viruses, or toxins.

Artificial Urinary Sphincter

A surgically implanted device that controls urinary flow in people with severe incontinence by mimicking natural sphincter muscle function.

Asymptomatic

A condition where a person has a disease or infection but shows no outward signs or symptoms, making regular screening important for early detection.

Autologous Transfusion

A procedure where patients receive their own blood collected before surgery, reducing the risk of transfusion reactions and infections.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

A common age-related condition where the prostate enlarges, causing urinary symptoms by compressing the urethra and affecting bladder function.

Benign Tumors

Abnormal growths that stay contained in one area without spreading to other body parts, usually removed only if causing problems.

Biological Therapy

Treatment using substances made from living organisms to boost the body’s natural defenses against disease and improve immune system function.

Biopsy

A medical procedure where a small sample of tissue is removed from the body and examined under a microscope to diagnose disease or determine treatment effectiveness.

Bladder Catheterization

The insertion of a tube through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine, used temporarily or long-term for various medical conditions.

Blastic Lesions

Areas of increased bone density visible on X-rays or scans, often indicating sites where prostate cancer has spread to bones.

Blood Chemistry

Comprehensive blood tests measuring various substances to evaluate organ function, metabolism, and overall health status for diagnosis and monitoring.

Bone Marrow

The soft, spongy tissue inside bones that produces all blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets essential for life.

Bone Scan

A nuclear imaging test using radioactive tracers to identify bone diseases, cancer spread, or infection by highlighting areas of increased bone activity.

Brachytherapy

A precise form of radiation therapy where radioactive material is placed directly inside or next to a tumor to kill cancer cells locally.

Cancerous tumors.

Abnormal cell growths that can invade nearby tissues and spread throughout the body, potentially threatening vital organ functions and survival.

Carcinoma

A common type of cancer that develops in cells forming the skin or tissue lining of organs, potentially spreading to other body parts.

CAT Scan

An advanced X-ray procedure using computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues inside your body.

Chemotherapy

A systemic treatment using powerful drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body, often causing side effects as it affects healthy cells too.

Clinical Trial

A research study involving human volunteers testing new treatments, interventions, or tests to evaluate their safety and effectiveness in treating diseases.

Combinational Hormonal Therapy

A treatment strategy using multiple hormone-targeting medications together to more effectively control prostate cancer growth and spread.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A comprehensive blood test measuring levels of red cells, white cells, and platelets to evaluate overall health and detect various conditions.

Computed Tomography

An imaging technology combining multiple X-ray measurements from different angles to produce detailed cross-sectional images of bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues.

Cryosurgery

A minimally invasive treatment using extreme cold to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue, including some cancers and precancerous lesions.

Cystoscopic Examination

A procedure using a thin tube with a camera to examine the bladder and urethra for abnormalities, stones, or other conditions.

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)

A physical examination where a doctor checks the prostate gland by inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum.

Double – Blind Study

A research method where neither participants nor researchers know who receives the actual treatment versus placebo until the study concludes.

Drug Interaction

The effect that occurs when two or more medications react with each other, potentially altering their effectiveness or causing unexpected side effects.

Edema

A condition where excess fluid becomes trapped in body tissues, causing visible swelling particularly in legs, ankles, and feet, often indicating underlying health issues.

Endocrinologist

A medical specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders of the hormone-producing glands, including diabetes, thyroid problems, and growth or reproductive disorders.

Enzyme

Natural proteins in the body that accelerate chemical reactions essential for digestion, energy production, blood clotting, and many other vital functions.

External Urethral Sphincter Muscle

A ring of muscle surrounding the urethra that contracts or relaxes to control urination, playing a crucial role in continence.

Fine Needle Aspiration

A minimally invasive diagnostic procedure using a thin needle to extract cells from suspicious areas for examination under a microscope.

Fistula

An abnormal connection or tunnel forming between two organs or vessels that shouldn’t be connected, often requiring surgical intervention to repair and prevent complications.

Foley Catheter

A sterile tube inserted through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine, commonly used during surgery or when normal urination is impaired.

Frozen Section

A rapid laboratory procedure examining tissue samples during surgery to make immediate decisions about the extent of surgical intervention needed.

Gleason Score

A grading system used by doctors to help determine the aggressiveness of prostate cancer by examining tissue samples under a microscope.

Hematuria

The presence of blood in urine, which can appear pink, red, or brown, potentially indicating various conditions from infection to cancer requiring medical evaluation.

HIFU

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound treatment using concentrated sound waves to heat and destroy specific tissues, particularly useful in treating prostate conditions.

Hormone Therapy

A treatment that adds, blocks, or removes hormones to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells that need hormones to grow.

Immunotherapy

,A cancer treatment that works by boosting your body’s own immune system, helping it recognize and fight cancer cells more effectively, similar to charging up your natural defenses.

Impotence

The consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse, often caused by physical conditions or psychological factors.

Incontinence

The involuntary leakage of urine or stool, often caused by weakened muscles or nerve damage, which can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.

Laparoscopic Lymphadenectomy

Minimally invasive surgery to remove lymph nodes using small incisions and specialized instruments, offering faster recovery than open surgery.

LHRH Agonists

Medications that reduce testosterone production by affecting the body’s hormone signaling system, commonly used in prostate cancer treatment.

Lupron Depot

A long-acting hormone therapy medication injected regularly to suppress testosterone production in treating prostate cancer and other conditions.

Luteinizing Hormone

A key reproductive hormone that stimulates testosterone production in men and plays crucial roles in fertility and sexual function.

Lymph Nodes

Small bean-shaped organs spread throughout the body that filter bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells while producing white blood cells to fight infection.

Lymphadenectomy

A surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes for cancer staging or treatment, helping determine if cancer has spread beyond its original site.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan

Advanced imaging technology using magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed pictures of internal organs and structures without radiation.

Malignant Tumors

Cancerous growths capable of invading nearby tissues and spreading to other parts of the body through blood or lymph systems.

Metastasis

The process where cancer cells break away from their original location and spread to other parts of the body through blood or lymph systems.

Metastatic Work Up

A series of tests and scans performed to determine if and where cancer has spread from its original location to other parts.

Nerve Sparing Technique

A careful surgical approach during prostate cancer surgery that attempts to preserve nerves controlling erectile function while removing the cancer.

Nocturne

Medical term referring to symptoms or conditions that occur specifically during nighttime hours, such as frequent urination disrupting sleep patterns.

Nuclear Scan

An imaging test using radioactive materials and special cameras to evaluate organ function and identify abnormal areas in tissues.

Oncologist

A physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer using various methods including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and coordinating comprehensive cancer care.

Oncology

The comprehensive study and treatment of cancer, including its development, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, typically involving various approaches like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

Orchiectomy

A surgical procedure to remove one or both testicles, typically performed to treat testicular cancer or as part of prostate cancer hormone therapy.

Pathologist

A medical doctor who examines tissues and fluids under a microscope to diagnose diseases and helps determine the most effective treatment options.

PCA3Plus

An advanced urine test measuring specific genetic markers to help diagnose prostate cancer, particularly useful when PSA results are unclear.

Pelvic Node Dissection

Surgical removal of lymph nodes in the pelvic area to check for cancer spread and determine appropriate treatment plans.

Penile Prosthetic Implant

A surgically placed device in the penis enabling men with erectile dysfunction to achieve erections through mechanical or hydraulic mechanisms.

Placebo

A harmless substance or treatment with no therapeutic value, used in clinical trials to test the effectiveness of real medications through comparison.

Prognosis

A doctor’s prediction about how a disease will progress and the likelihood of recovery, based on medical knowledge and experience with similar cases.

Proscar (Finasteride)

A medication that shrinks an enlarged prostate and may slow hair loss by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.

Prostate Acid Phosphatase

An enzyme measured in blood tests to help detect prostate cancer spread to other parts of the body, particularly bone tissue.

Prostate Gland

A walnut-sized organ in men located below the bladder that produces seminal fluid to nourish and transport sperm during sexual function.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)

A protein produced by prostate cells that can be measured in blood to help detect prostate cancer and monitor treatment effectiveness.

Prostatectomy

A major surgical procedure to remove all or part of the prostate gland, commonly performed to treat prostate cancer or severe benign enlargement.

PSA Ratio

A calculation comparing different forms of prostate-specific antigen in blood to help determine the likelihood of prostate cancer versus benign conditions.

Radiation Therapy

A cancer treatment using high-energy rays or particles to damage cancer cells’ DNA, preventing them from growing and dividing while minimizing damage.

Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

Open surgery removing the entire prostate gland and surrounding tissues through a lower abdominal incision to treat prostate cancer.

Remission

A period when cancer symptoms decrease significantly or disappear, though regular monitoring is still necessary as the disease may not be completely gone.

Retrograde Ejaculation

A condition where semen enters the bladder instead of being expelled through the penis during orgasm, often caused by surgery or medications.

Robotic Radical Prostatectomy

Advanced surgical procedure using robotic assistance to remove the prostate gland with greater precision and typically faster recovery than traditional surgery.

Seminal Vesicles

Glands located behind the prostate that produce fluid containing nutrients for sperm, contributing to semen production and reproductive function.

Staging

A comprehensive process of determining how much cancer exists and how far it has spread, crucial for planning the most effective treatment approach.

Testosterone

A natural hormone produced mainly in testicles that helps develop and maintain male characteristics like muscle mass, bone density, facial hair, and sex drive.

Transrectal Ultrasound Of The Prostate

An imaging procedure where an ultrasound probe is inserted through the rectum to examine prostate size, shape, and internal structure.

Transurethral Incision Of The Prostate

A surgical procedure making precise cuts in the prostate through the urethra to reduce urinary obstruction and improve flow.

Transurethral Laser Incision Of The Prostate

A minimally invasive procedure using laser energy through the urethra to cut and remove prostate tissue blocking urine flow.

Transurethral Resection Of The Prostate (TURP)

A surgical procedure performed through the urethra to remove prostate tissue blocking urine flow, improving urinary symptoms without external incisions.

Ultrasound (Ultrasonography)

A safe imaging technique using high-frequency sound waves to create real-time pictures of internal organs and blood flow.

Ureter

A pair of tubes that carry urine from each kidney down to the bladder, playing a crucial role in the urinary system.

Urethra

The tube that carries urine from your bladder to outside your body, and in males also carries semen during ejaculation.

Urologist

A medical doctor specializing in conditions affecting the urinary tract in both men and women, as well as male reproductive system disorders.

Vacuum-Tumescent

A non-medicinal erectile dysfunction treatment using vacuum pressure to draw blood into the penis and a tension ring to maintain erection.

Watchful Waiting

A management approach involving regular monitoring of a condition without immediate treatment, taking action only if symptoms worsen or change.