Prostate Disorders Dictionary

temporary brachytherapy: A high-dose form of radiation treatment with the insertion of a radioactive substance through hollow needles into the prostate gland that is effective for several minutes and may be administered over the course of a few days.

testes: The testicles, which are responsible for producing sperm and which also provide testosterone, which is responsible for providing male characteristics but which can also lead to an increase in prostate gland size.

TNM system: A cancer staging system that helps develop a course of treatment by judging the tumor size and feel (T1, T2, T3, T4), and whether there is lymph node involvement (N+) and/or metastasis (M+).

total PSA: This is the combination of numbers from a standard PSA test and free PSA.

transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS): A procedure in which ultrasound is used to judge the size of a prostate and while it cannot ascertain between benign and cancerous conditions, it is a helpful tool for imaging.

transurethral: A term relating to any procedure that concerns the urethra.

transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP): A surgical procedure that is sometimes used in the case of a smaller prostate to relieve urinary complications by cutting the bladder neck to allow for greater flow.

transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): Used to relieve the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by drilling through the prostate gland to remove tissue that may be causing pressure on the urethra.

ultrasound: The procedure for using sound waves to produce computer images of internal organs.

urethra: This tube connects at the base of the bladder, runs through the prostate gland and ends at the tip of the penis.

urine flow study: A common test in prostate evaluation that assesses pressure and the presence of any obstructions and can also help in treating incontinence.

urology: The specialty section of medicine that focuses on the urinary tract in men and women and is also a key component in treating prostate conditions.

vasodilator: A drug family that acts to relax muscles, dilate arteries and increase blood flow to the penis when incontinence is an issue. May be administered in the form of pills, suppositories or injections.

volume study: This is an ultrasound test that is performed to gauge the size of the prostate gland, which is also useful in determining which type of treatment options are available in the face of prostate cancer.

watchful waiting: This is sometimes termed active surveillance, meaning that no decided treatments are being administered but the condition is under above-average watchfulness.