Prostate Disorders Special Report
Prostate Disorders Glossary
Johns Hopkins Prostate Glossary
Derived from The Johns Hopkins White Paper 2007: Prostate Disorders
5-alpha-reductase inhibitors
A class of drugs used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). They block the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, the major male sex hormone within the cells of the prostate.acute urinary retention
A complete inability to urinate that requires immediate medical attention.age-specific PSA
An adjustment of the PSA value that accounts for the natural, gradual increase in PSA that occurs with age as the prostate enlarges.alpha-1-adrenergic blockers
A class of drugs used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that work by relaxing smooth muscle tissue within the prostate. Also called alpha-blockers.androgens
Sex hormones, such as testosterone, found in higher levels in males than females.antiandrogens
Drugs that bind to androgen receptors in cells, preventing androgens from stimulating the cells.
benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland due to an increase in the number of prostate cells.bladder neck
The junction between the bladder and the prostate.brachytherapy
A treatment for prostate cancer that involves the implantation of radioactive seeds into the prostate.
catheterization
A procedure in which a tube is inserted into the urethra to drain urine from the bladder. Used after prostate surgery and in the treatment of acute urinary retention.cryotherapy
The use of extreme cold to treat a disease such as prostate cancer.cystoscopy
Passage of a cystoscope (a type of telescope) through the urethra into the bladder to directly view the urethra and bladder.digital rectal exam
An examination in which a doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities of the prostate and rectum.dihydrotestosterone
The most potent androgen inside prostate cells; formed from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase.external beam radiation therapy
A therapy for prostate cancer that uses an x-ray machine to aim highenergy radiation at the prostate.filling cystometry
A test that involves filling the bladder with fluid, measuring how much pressure builds up in the bladder, and how full it is when the urge to urinate occurs.Foley catheter
A small tube inserted through the urethra that allows urine to drain from the bladder into a bag. Has a balloon at its tip so that it remains in place when filled with water.follicle-stimulating hormone
A pituitary hormone that stimulates sperm production by the testicles.glandular cells
Cells in the prostate that produce part of the fluid portion of semen. Also called epithelial cells.Gleason score
A classification system for prostate cancer, based on the microscopic appearance of cancer cells; it is used to predict the seriousness of the cancer and the need for treatment. Scores range from 2–10 and are derived by adding the 2 most prevalent cancer grades, which range from 1–5. A lower score indicates that the cancer is less aggressive.hematuria
Blood in the urine.hormone therapy
Usually a treatment for prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate.Slows the progression of cancer by preventing testosterone from acting on cancer cells but does not cure the cancer.
imaging studies
Tests that produce an image of the inside of the body. Some examples of these tests are ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and x-rays.incontinence
An inability to control bladder function.intermittent androgen suppression
A technique in which androgen blockade with medications is discontinued once PSA levels fall and is then restarted when PSA levels begin to rise again.interstitial laser coagulation
A minimally invasive therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), in which a needle is placed through the urethra to deliver laser energy to the prostate.Kegel exercises
Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. May help men recover bladder function more quickly after prostate surgery.laparoscopy
A technique in which a tiny instrument containing a light and camera at one end is inserted into the body through a small incision. Used for a variety of surgical and diagnostic procedures, including radical prostatectomy.laser prostatectomy
A treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in which laser energy is used to destroy excess prostate tissue.libido
Sex drive.
Posted in Prostate Disorders on October 14, 2007
