Prostate Disorders Dictionary

Partin tables: A standard to assess, treat and predict the outcome of a prostate cancer diagnosis that combines statistics, the Gleason score, PSA numbers and staging.

pathologist: A doctor who analyzes any type of human tissue and is able to recognize cellular properties that may be cancerous and in the case of prostate cancer, will inspect both the biopsy samples and the excised gland.

perineum: In males, this is the area between the anus and the scrotum.

permanent radioactive seed implants: A low-dose radiation treatment involving seed placement in the prostate gland by first determining the best locations through ultrasound. Is generally effective for a few months with little impact on surrounding tissue.

prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN): Lesions found within various parts of the prostate gland that, when considered high grade, may lead to cancer, although no specific treatments are recommended other than regular PSA testing.

prostate: This walnut-sized gland is found only in males and is wrapped around the urethra, with the specific function of secreting fluid to support sperm in conjunction with the seminal vesicles.

prostate cancer: A disease of the prostate gland that is second only to lung cancer in male deaths but that is curable if caught in early stages.

prostate massage: The process by which a physician inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to collect a prostatic fluid sample for microscopic exam.

prostatectomy: Complete surgical removal of the prostate gland when cancer is present. May be performed in an open procedure, laparoscopically or with the aid of robotic technologies.

prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland that may be the result of a bacterial infection but that may not have any causes. Usually presents with urinary frequency, pain and blood.

prostate specific antigen (PSA): These are proteins produced only by the prostate gland that act as a liquefying agent for semen but that also has a limited presence in the bloodstream.

proton beam therapy: A form of targeted external beam radiation that targets specific cancerous portions of the prostate gland, but has less effect on other tissue in the "beam" area with a "peak" strength on the diseased cells.

PSA density: A calculation that combines PSA levels with actual prostate size to decide whether treatment should proceed for BPH or cancer.

PSA test: This is a standard blood test that measures levels of prostate specific antigens (PSAs) as they bind together with other substances. High levels of PSA can be an indication of cancer.

PSA velocity: Tracking the changes in PSA levels over the course of time. Levels may rise slowly with age or rapidly, which may indicate the presence of cancer.

radiation oncologist: A specialist who treats cancers with radiation therapy.

radiation therapy: Any of a group of treatments that use X-rays (also gamma, photon) either from external machines or by implantation into a cancerous area.

radical prostatectomy: An open surgical procedure to remove the prostate gland and most often some surrounding tissue, especially if spread of cancer is suspected.

radical perineal prostatectomy (RPP): Removal of the prostate gland through an incision between the anus and the scrotum; lymph node removal is not possible with this procedure.

radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP): A surgical procedure in which the abdomen is opened and the bladder is sectioned to reach and remove the prostate gland.

retropubic prostatectomy: Surgical removal of the prostate gland in which entry is made above the penis and access is gained through the bladder.

risk factors: While all males face a certain risk of developing prostate cancer, certain factors, including race, age, family history and diet, may also play an important role in percentages.

robotic prostatectomy: A surgical procedure that incorporates laparoscopic techniques but with the surgeon seated at a complex console that provides many times greater magnification of the surgical field and operates fully flexible robotic arms.

seminal vesicle: A gland that lies between the bladder and the prostate that contributes to the formation of seminal fluid.

staging: A way to categorize cancer that helps determine the course of treatment; in the case of prostate cancer, the TNM system is used and more rarely, the older Whitmore-Jewett (ABCD) system may be used.