Abscess: a localized collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection

Acid phosphatase: an enzyme produced only in the prostate. High levels may indicate the spread of prostate cancer.

Acute: abrupt onset that is usually severe; happens for a limited period of time

Acute bacterial prostatitis: also called infectious prostatitis; a bacterial infection of the prostate gland that causes inflammation and swelling of the prostate. Acute bacterial prostatitis requires prompt treatment, as the condition can lead to cystitis, abscesses in the prostate, or blocked urine flow in extreme cases. In some cases, acute prostatitis requires hospitalization.

Adjuvant therapy: treatment provided in addition to the primary treatment to prevent cancer recurrence

Adrenal glands: glands that sit on top of the kidneys. The adrenal glands make and release hormones such as epinephrine (adrenaline), which raises heart rate and blood pressure; norepinephrine, which causes constriction of blood vessels; and steroid hormones, which help reduce inflammation and control how the body utilizes fat, protein, carbohydrates, and minerals. Other steroid hormones produced in the adrenal gland are called androgens, or male sex hormones.

Adverse effect: negative or harmful effect

Alpha-adrenergic blocker: class of drugs used to treat benign (noncancerous) prostate enlargement. These medications tend to relax the prostate muscles and improve urine flow. They are also used to treat hypertension.

Analgesic: medicine used to relieve pain

Androgen: a hormone, such as testosterone and androsterone, responsible for the development of male sex characteristics

Anemia: a condition in which blood is deficient in one of three ways: not enough red blood cells, hemoglobin, or total volume of blood. Hemoglobin is a substance in the red blood cells that enables the blood to transport oxygen through the body.

Antegrade ejaculation: normal forward ejaculation

Antiandrogen drug: any medication that reduces or blocks the normal activity of an androgen hormone

Antibiotic: medication used to treat bacterial infection

Anti-inflammatory: medication used to reduce pain, swelling, or other irritation, often caused by prostatitis

Antimicrobial: a drug that kills bacteria or prevents them from multiplying. Antibiotics are naturally occurring antimicrobials. Antimicrobial medications are used to treat acute infectious and chronic prostatitis.

Antibodies: proteins produced by the body to protect itself from foreign substances (such as bacteria or viruses)

Antigens: Foreign substances that cause an immune response in the body. The body produces antibodies to fight antigens.

Antispasmodics: drugs that help decrease involuntary muscle spasms that may occur in the bladder

Asymptomatic: no symptoms or no clear sign that disease is present

Atrophy: wasting of tissue or organ, caused by disease or lack of use (as in muscle atrophy). The testicles can become atrophic due to disease, cancer, or abnormal development.

Azoospermia: the absence of sperm in the ejaculate

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): also known as benign (noncancerous) enlargement of the prostate. Almost all men with normal hormonal function (those who produce the male hormone testosterone) will develop some enlargement of the prostate as they age.

Benign tumor: a noncancerous growth that does not spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body

Biofeedback: a method of learning to modify a particular bodily function, by monitoring it with the aid of an electronic device that may produce sight or sound signals. Pelvic floor biofeedback may be recommended for some patients who have an underlying pelvic floor neuromuscular dysfunction.

Biological therapy: treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease. Also called immunotherapy.

Biopsy: removal of a sample of tissue for study, usually under a microscope. A prostate biopsy is a procedure in which a physician uses ultrasound to guide a small needle into areas of the prostate where abnormalities are detected. The needle is used to collect cells or tissue samples of the prostate. Usually six to eight biopsies are taken to sample various areas of the prostate. The tissue samples are then analyzed in a laboratory to help physicians diagnose a variety of disorders and diseases in the prostate.

Brachytherapy: Also called image-directed irradiation, a form of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. During the procedure, radioactive seeds (iodine-125) are implanted into the prostate gland under ultrasound guidance. The number of seeds and their locations are determined by a computer-generated treatment plan for each patient. The seeds remain in place permanently and become inactive after about 10 months. This technique allows for delivery of a high dose of radiation to the prostate with limited damage to surrounding tissues.

Cancer: a general term for more than 100 diseases in which there is an uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells. Cancer cells can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.

Cannulas: tubes that hold an instrument called a laparoscope (see below) and other instruments and allow access to the abdominal cavity for performance of laparoscopic surgery

Carcinoma: malignant (cancerous) growth that begins in the lining or covering of an organ and tends to invade surrounding tissue and metastasize (spread) to other regions of the body

Carcinoma in situ: cancer that involves only the tissue in which it began; it has not spread to other tissues.

CAT scan: an X-ray technique using computer technology to produce a film showing a detailed cross-section of tissue. A CAT scan may be recommended so that your doctor can check for swollen or enlarged lymph nodes, which might mean the cancer has spread. Generally, a CAT scan is used only if the cancer is large, of a high grade, or associated with a very high PSA level.

Chemotherapy: in cancer treatment, the use of drugs whose main effect is either to kill or slow the growth of rapidly multiplying cells. Chemotherapy usually includes a combination of drugs, since this is more effective than a single drug given alone. There are many drug combinations used to treat prostate cancer.

Chronic: persisting over a long period of time

Chronic prostatitis: a form of prostatitis that is usually caused by bacteria. Chronic prostatitis is the main reason men under the age of 50 visit a urologist. In some cases, chronic prostatitis follows an attack of acute prostatitis. The condition causes recurrent bouts of bladder and urinary infection.

Clear margins: areas of normal tissue that surround cancerous tissue, as seen during a microscopic examination

Clinical trial: a research program conducted with patients to evaluate a new medical treatment, drug, or device. The purpose of clinical trials is to find new and improved methods of treating different diseases and special conditions.

Combined hormonal therapy or maximal androgen deprivation: a treatment method that combines suppression of testosterone production and androgen production by the adrenal glands (see also: Hormone therapy.)

Contraindication: a factor that makes use of a drug or other treatment inadvisable

Cryobank: a place where cells, sperm, or embryos are frozen and stored

Cryopreservation: the process of freezing and storing sperm or embryos for later use

Cystectomy: removal of the bladder with surgery

Cystitis: inflammation of the bladder, which may be caused by infection. Also called interstitial cystitis

Cystoscopy: a procedure in which a tube is inserted into the urethra through the opening at the end of the penis. It allows the doctor to visually examine the complete length of the urethra and the bladder for polyps, strictures, abnormal growths, and other problems. Also called cystourethroscopy

Cytoscope: tube-like device containing a light and viewing lens. A cytoscope is inserted into the urethra to examine the urethra, bladder, and prostate.

Digital rectal exam (DRE): a screening test used to detect prostate cancer in its early stages. Because the prostate is an internal organ, the physician cannot look at it directly. The prostate lies in front of the rectum, and the doctor can feel it by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum. The doctor will feel the prostate for hard, lumpy, or abnormal areas and to determine whether the prostate is enlarged.

Dysuria: painful urination

Ejaculate: fluid and semen (which contains sperm) ejected from the penis during male orgasm

Ejaculatory duct: tube in the body where sperm are deposited into the urethra

Electrovaporation: a surgical procedure that uses electrical current to destroy excess prostate tissue

Enuresis: involuntary urination

Epididymis: a long tube-like coiled structure in which sperm collect, mature, and pass. The epididymis is located above and behind the testicles. Mature sperm leave the epididymis through the vas deferens when they are ejaculated or reabsorbed by the body.

Epididymitis: inflammation of the epididymis

Epidural catheter: a small tube passed into the space between the spinal cord and spinal column. Pain medication can be delivered through the tube.

Flow study: a test that measures the flow of urine

Gene: the basic unit of heredity found in all cells

Gleason score: a rating system that identifies the aggressiveness of a cancer. A Gleason score of less than 6 is considered less aggressive, and a score greater than 7 is considered more aggressive.

Grade: a labeling system indicating how quickly a cancer is growing

Hormones: chemicals produced by glands in the body. Hormones control the actions of certain cells or organs.

Hormone therapy (also hormonal therapy): the use of hormone medications to treat cancer patients by removing, blocking, or adding to the effects of a hormone on an organ or part of the body. Hormone therapy may also include surgical removal of the testicles to prevent male hormones from further stimulating the growth of prostate cancer.

Immune system: the body's natural defense system against infection or disease

Impotence: also called erectile dysfunction. A man's inability to develop or sustain an erection satisfactory for sexual intercourse. Though prostate cancer is not a cause of impotence, some treatments for the disease can cause erectile dysfunction.

Inflammation: increased blood flow in response to infection and certain chronic conditions. One of the body's defense mechanisms. Symptoms of inflammation include redness, swelling, pain, and heat.

Interstitial Laser Coagulation (ILC): a technique used to treat an enlarged prostate. This technique uses two lasers to deliver heat to the interior of the prostate. A specially designed laser fiber is inserted into the prostate using instruments placed in the urethra. The procedure is usually done in the operating room, under local anesthesia to numb the area.

Intracavernous injection therapy: injection of medication into the penis to treat impotence. This type of therapy can be effective for patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) or who have received radiation therapy to treat prostate cancer. The overall success rate with injection therapy is about 60%-80%.

Intraurethral therapy (Muse): medication taken as a suppository placed in the urinary tube (urethra) to treat impotence. The medicine relaxes the muscle in the erection chamber, allowing improved blood flow into the penis.

Incontinence: loss of urinary control. Incontinence may be complete or partial and can result from prostate surgery or radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

Laparoscopic surgery (laparoscopy): a method of surgery that is less invasive than traditional surgery. Tiny incisions are made to create a passageway for a special instrument called a laparoscope. This thin telescope-like instrument has a miniature video camera and light source to transmit images to a video monitor. The surgeon watches the video screen while performing the procedure with small instruments that pass through small tubes placed in the incisions.

Laser surgery: destruction of tissue using a small, powerful, highly focused beam of light

Local therapy: treatment that affects cells in the tumor and the area close to it

Localized cancer: cancer that hasn't spread to other parts of the body. Localized prostate cancer is confined to the prostate.

Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) analog: a drug that blocks the production of testosterone by the testes to help stop tumor growth

Lymph: clear fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infection and disease

Lymph nodes: small glands located in many areas of the body that help defend the body against harmful foreign substances

Lymphatic system: a circulatory system that includes an extensive network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes throughout the body. The lymphatic system helps coordinate the immune system's function to protect the body from foreign substances.

MRI: a test that produces images of the body without the use of X-rays. MRI uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to produce these images. MRI may be used to examine the prostate and nearby lymph nodes to distinguish between benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) lesions.

Male infertility: diminished or absent ability to produce offspring

Malignant: cancerous; can spread to other parts of the body

Metastasize: to spread from one part of the body to another

Nonbacterial prostatitis: the type of prostatitis that occurs when no definite infectious cause can be identified. People with nonbacterial prostatitis often have a number of white blood cells (associated with infection) in their urine, but no bacteria are found.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): a class of drugs effective in reducing inflammation and pain without steroids. Examples of these drugs include aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen.

Obstruction: a clog or blockage that prevents fluid from flowing easily

Occult blood: Blood in the stool that is not always visible to the naked eye. This type of bleeding is detected by performing a laboratory test on a stool sample.

Oncologist, medical: a doctor who specializes in the medical treatment of cancer. Medical oncologists have a thorough knowledge of how cancers behave and grow. This knowledge is used to calculate your risk of recurrence as well as the possible need for and benefits of additional or adjuvant therapy (such as chemotherapy or hormonal therapy). Your medical oncologist generally manages your overall medical care and monitors your general health during your course of treatment. He or she checks your progress frequently, reviews your lab and X-ray results, and coordinates your medical care before and after your course of treatment.

Oncologist, radiation: a doctor trained in cancer treatment using radiation therapy

Oncologist, surgical: a doctor who performs biopsies and other surgical procedures specifically related to cancer

Orchiectomy: surgical removal of the testes

Palpation: a simple technique in which a doctor presses on the surface of the body to feel the organs or tissues underneath

Patient-controlled analgesia: a method of administering pain medication that is activated by the patient

Pathologist: a doctor who specializes in analyzing tissue samples. In the case of prostate cancer, the doctor can examine prostate tissue samples under a microscope to detect the cellular makeup of the tumor, whether the cancer is localized or has the potential to spread, and how quickly it is growing. Pathologists can detect subtle differences in cancer cells that help your surgeon and oncologist confirm the diagnosis.

Perineum: the area between the scrotum and anus

Permanent radioactive seed implants: a form of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. During the procedure, radioactive implants (iodine-125) are implanted into the prostate gland using ultrasound guidance. The number of implants and where they are placed is determined by a computer-generated treatment plan individualized for each patient. The implants remain in place permanently, and become inactive after about 10 months. This technique allows for delivery of a high dose of radiation to the prostate with limited effect to surrounding tissues.

Peyronie's disease: a condition that causes buildup of plaques and scarring along the walls of the erectile tissue of the penis. This condition causes curvature of the penis, especially when erect.

Platelets: substance in blood that helps prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form at the site of an injury

Post-void residual test: a test often performed with ultrasound imaging to detect how much urine is left in the bladder after the patient completes urination

Priapism: persistent, painful, and unwanted erection. This condition requires immediate medical attention.

Prognosis: the probable outcome or course of a disease; the chance of recovery

Prostate: a muscular, walnut-sized gland that surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that transports urine and sperm out of the body. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It secretes seminal fluid, a milky substance that combines with sperm produced in the testicles to form semen. The muscles in the prostate push semen through the urethra and out of the penis during sexual climax.

Prostate cancer: the most common form of cancer in American men and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Cells in the body normally divide (reproduce) only when new cells are needed. Sometimes, cells will divide for no reason, creating a mass of tissue called a tumor. Tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor.

Prostate enlargement: See benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): a blood test used to detect elevated levels of this protein, produced by the prostate, which can indicate prostate cancer or other prostate diseases.

Prostate stripping: during a digital rectal examination, the doctor may massage, or "strip," the prostate to force prostatic fluid out of the gland and into the urethra. This fluid sample is then examined under a microscope for signs of inflammation and infection.

Prostatic ducts: group of 20 to 30 tubes inside the prostate that collect and transport prostatic fluid to the ejaculatory ducts.

Prostatic fluid: fluid produced by the prostate that makes up a portion of the semen. It is thought that the prostatic fluid contains a chemical substance that contributes to the viability of sperm for reproduction.

Prostatitis: an infection of the prostate. Prostatitis may also appear as an inflammation of the prostate with no documentation of infection. When no definite infectious cause can be identified, the condition is called non-bacterial prostatitis. A sudden bacterial infection of the prostate gland characterized by inflammation of the prostate is called acute bacterial or infectious prostatitis. Acute bacterial prostatitis requires prompt treatment to prevent other health problems. Chronic (long-lasting) prostatitis is the most common form of this disease, usually caused by bacteria.

Prostatodynia: pain in the prostate

Prostatectomy: See radical prostatectomy.

Prosthesis: an artificial replacement of a part of the body. A penile prosthesis may be considered if the patient has had erectile dysfunction for about one year following cancer treatment and nonsurgical therapy has either failed or has been found to be unacceptable. A prosthesis is an effective form of therapy in many patients, but it requires an operation in which a device is implanted into the penis. Surgery can cause complications, such as mechanical failure or infection, which may require removal of the prosthesis and re-operation.

Pulse oximetry: photoelectric device that measures the percent of oxygenation in the blood using a clip on the finger. Also measures the heart rate.

Radiation therapy: a form of cancer treatment that uses high levels of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing and dividing while minimizing damage to healthy cells.

Radical prostatectomy: surgery in which the entire prostate gland plus some tissue around it are removed. Radical prostatectomy is used most often if the cancer is thought not to have spread outside of the gland.

Radiology: a branch of medicine that uses radioactive substances and visual devices to diagnose and treat a wide variety of diseases

Radiologist: a doctor who reads and interprets X-rays and other radiographic images

Recurrence: the return of a disease after a period of remission

Remission: disappearance of any evidence of cancer. A remission can be temporary or permanent.

Renal: relating to the kidneys

Renal threshold: the point at which the blood is holding so much of a substance, such as glucose, that the kidneys allow the excess to "spill" into the urine. This is also called "kidney threshold," "kidney spilling point" or "leak point."

Renovascular disorders: diseases of the blood vessels of the kidney

Retrograde ejaculation: ejaculation of semen backward into the bladder instead of through the urethra and out of the penis

Risk factor: a factor that increases a person's chance of developing a disease or predisposes a person to a certain condition

Scrotum: the sac of skin that contains the testes

Semen: the fluid, containing sperm, which comes out of the penis during sexual arousal

Semen analysis: test that provides information about the number and quality of the sperm

Seminal vesicles: small glands near the prostate that produce some of the fluid for semen

Sentinel lymph node: the first lymph node to which a tumor drains, making it the first place where cancer is likely to spread

Sexually transmitted disease (STD): a disease that is spread by having sex with someone who has an STD. You can get an STD from sexual activity that involves the mouth, anus, or vagina. STDs are serious illnesses that require treatment. Some STDs, like AIDS, cannot be cured and are deadly.

Sildenafil: See Viagra.

Sperm: the microscopic cells produced in the testicles and transported by semen to aid in reproduction

Stage: a labeling system indicating how far the cancer has spread, or the extent of the cancer. The stage of prostate cancer depends on the size of the cancer and whether it has spread from its original site to other parts of the body.

Systemic therapy: treatment that reaches and affects cells all over the body

Testes (testicles): a pair of rounded glands that lie in the scrotum and produce male cells (sperm) for reproduction and the hormone testosterone

Testosterone: the male sex hormone produced by the testes

Thermotherapy: See transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT).

Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP): surgical treatment for benign prostate enlargement. An instrument passed through the urethra makes cuts in the prostate to clear any blockages, but does not remove tissue.

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT): also called transurethral hyperthermia. Used to treat benign enlargement of the prostate. During this procedure, microwave energy delivers temperatures above 45 degrees C (113 degrees Fahrenheit) to the prostate by way of an antenna positioned in the prostate with a special catheter.

Transrectal ultrasonography: See ultrasound, prostate.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): surgical removal of the tissue blocking the urethra, with no external skin incision. This is the most common treatment for symptomatic benign enlargement of the prostate.

Trocar: sharp, pointed instrument used to make a puncture incision in the abdominal wall. Used for placement of cannulas.

Tumor: an abnormal mass of tissue

Ultrasound: a test used to diagnose a wide range of diseases and conditions in which high-frequency sound waves, inaudible to the human ear, are transmitted through body tissues. The echoes vary according to the tissue density. The echoes are recorded and translated into video or photographic images that are displayed on a monitor.

Ultrasound, prostate (also called transrectal ultrasound): a procedure in which a probe about the size of a finger is inserted a short distance into the rectum. This probe produces harmless high-frequency sound waves, inaudible to the human ear, that bounce off the surface of the prostate. The sound waves are recorded and transformed into video or photographic images of the prostate gland. The probe can provide images at different angles to help the doctor estimate the size of the prostate and detect any abnormal growths or lesions.

Urethra: the tube that carries urine (from the bladder) and semen (from the prostate and other sex glands) out through the tip of the penis

Urethral stricture: a narrowing or blockage of the canal leading to the bladder, discharging the urine externally

Urethritis: inflammation of the urethra; may be caused by infection

Urinalysis: a test in which a urine sample is evaluated to detect abnormalities. Urinalysis is important for diagnosing prostatitis, urinary infections, bladder and kidney cancer, diabetes, and other conditions.

Urinary catheter: a thin, flexible, plastic tube that is inserted into the bladder to drain urine

Urinary tract: the path that urine takes as it leaves the body. It includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Urinary tract infection: an infection of the urinary tract, usually caused by bacteria. The infection most often occurs in the urethra and bladder. It can also travel from the bladder into the ureter and kidneys.

Urination: discharge of liquid waste from the body

Urologist: a doctor who specializes in treatment of the urinary tract for men and women, and the genital organs for males

Vacuum constriction device: a cylinder that is placed over the penis to treat impotence. The air is pumped out of the cylinder, which draws blood into the penis and causes an erection. The erection is maintained by slipping a band off the base of the cylinder and onto the base of the penis.

Viagra: a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (also known as sildenafil)

Void: to urinate

Voiding dysfunction: difficulty urinating

Watchful waiting: an approach used for localized, slow-growing prostate cancer involving regular checkups instead of immediate treatment

X-ray: high-energy radiation used in low doses to diagnose diseases, and in high doses to treat cancer

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