Prostate Disorders Dictionary

5-alpha-reductase inhibitors: A drug family that is prescribed for BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and that works within the prostate gland to prohibit the ability of testosterone to convert to the sex hormone dihydrotestosterone. This limits and/or reduces growth and size of the gland.

acid phosphatase: A naturally produced enzyme that resides in bone marrow as well as the spleen, liver and prostate gland. When present at elevated levels may be an indicator of prostate disease.

adenocarcinoma: In the prostate gland, this means cancerous conditions that originate in the cells that line tubes and ducts.

adjuvant therapy: A common treatment for prostate cancer when recurrence is a possibility that means more than one preventative measure is taken, such as a possible combination of surgery with radiation or hormonal therapies.

age-specific PSA: A disputed method of judging prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels based on age, with the belief that older men with typically larger prostate glands may present higher numbers without the presence of cancer.

alpha blockers: Known as alpha-adrenergic antagonists, these are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia by relaxing specific muscles, which can improve urinary flow.

androgens: The group of male hormones, including testosterone, that can be produced naturally or outside the body, as is the case with some steroids.

androgen deprivation: Commonly called hormone therapy, this practice suppresses male hormones such as testosterone, which can aid in slowing or reducing the growth of prostate cancer.

benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Commonly known as an enlarged prostate gland without the presence of cancer.

biofeedback: Specialized observation through the implementation of electronic monitors that is often used in pelvic floor rehabilitation to aid a return to continence following treatment for prostate disease.

biopsy: The removal of tissue for testing and diagnosis.

bladder: The urine reservoir that, in males, passes liquid through the urethra, which is surrounded by the prostate gland.

bladder neck: The point where bladder and prostate gland meet and often the point of escaped cancer cells.

bone scan: An image taken to determine if prostate cancer is localized or has spread to the bones, which is a common site for metastasizing from diseased cells.

BPH: Benign prostatic hyperplasia, which means an enlarged gland that is not cancerous and is more common as men grow older.

brachytherapy: A treatment for prostate cancer in which radioactive seeds are implanted, either temporarily or permanently, in the prostate to kill cells.

capsule: A tissue layer that covers the prostate gland.

carcinoma: Any cancerous part of the body that begins at a specific point and is generally more aggressive with spread to other areas.

CAT scan: An X-ray procedure that, in the case of suspected prostate cancer, is used to look for lymph node involvement.

chemical castration: Temporary hormone treatments to reduce androgen levels that, in turn, can cause a decrease in prostate size as well as a repression of cancer.

clear margin: A term used in pathological examination of the prostate gland following surgery that indicates the cancer was contained and no cells escaped into other organs.

cryotherapy: Also called cryosurgery, this technique treats prostate cancer with a series of inserted probes that insert liquid nitrogen to freeze the gland and kill all cells.

cystoscopy: An examination of the urinary tract, including the urethra and bladder, using a cystoscope, which is a specialized lighted endoscope.

digital rectal examination (DRE): A regular inspection of the prostate and lower intestines in which a physician enters the rectum with a gloved finger (digit) to feel for abnormalities.

DRE: A digital rectal exam, meaning a physician inspects the prostate and rectum with a finger to feel for any abnormalities.

ejaculatory duct: The passage point for semen that connects with the seminal vesicles and vas deferens and is also surrounded by the prostate gland.

erectile dysfunction: The inability to achieve an erection, due to a number of causes, including psychological and physical conditions.