Increase text size: A A A

Type in the condition you need,
or visit Advanced Search

Print this page

Email this to a friend

Save to my Health Library

Prostate Disorders Special Report

Prostate Disorders Glossary

Johns Hopkins Prostate Glossary

Derived from The Johns Hopkins White Paper 2007: Prostate Disorders

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

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.

Back to Top

B

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.

Back to Top

C

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.

Back to Top

D

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.

Back to Top

E

external beam radiation therapy
A therapy for prostate cancer that uses an x-ray machine to aim highenergy radiation at the prostate.

Back to Top

F

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.

Back to Top

G

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.

Back to Top

H

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.

Back to Top

I

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.

Back to Top

J

Back to Top

K

Kegel exercises
Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. May help men recover bladder function more quickly after prostate surgery.

Back to Top

L

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.

luteinizing hormone
A pituitary hormone that stimulates the release of testosterone from the testicles.

luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH)
A hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone.

luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogs
Medications with chemical structures almost identical to natural LHRH.They block the release of luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland, thus reducing testosterone secretion from the testicles.

Back to Top

M

medical castration
The use of medication to interfere with the manufacture or actions of testosterone.

metastatic prostate cancer
Prostate cancer that has spread from the prostate to other parts of the body.

Back to Top

N

nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy
A type of surgery for prostate cancer in which structures important for erectile and bladder function are left intact. Associated with a lower risk of erectile dysfunction and severe incontinence than traditional radical prostatectomy.

neurogenic bladder
Bladder dysfunction related to neurological problems.

nocturia
Frequent nighttime urination; a symptom of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and other diseases.

Back to Top

O

orchiectomy
See surgical castration.

Back to Top

P

penile clamp
A device that compresses the penis to prevent urine from leaking.

percent free PSA
The amount of PSA not attached to blood proteins divided by the total amount of PSA. Men with prostate cancer have a lower percentage of free PSA than men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

perineal prostatectomy
A type of radical prostatectomy in which the incision is made into the perineum instead of into the abdomen.

perineum
The area between the scrotum and rectum.

phytotherapy
The use of plant-derived substances to treat a medical condition such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

pressure-flow urodynamic studies
Tests that measure bladder pressure during urination by placing a recording device into the bladder and often into the rectum as well.

ProstaScint
A test for detecting prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (except the bones).

prostate
A gland the size and shape of a crab apple that surrounds the upper portion of the male urethra. Its main function is to produce part of the fluid that makes up semen.

prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
An enzyme produced by the glandular cells of the prostate and secreted into the seminal fluid that is released during ejaculation.

High blood levels may indicate the presence of prostate cancer but can also be caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and infection.

prostatitis
An inflammation of the prostate that may cause pain in the lower back and in the area between the scrotum and rectum.

prostatodynia
A condition that causes the same symptoms as prostatitis but is not associated with infection or inflammation.

PSA density
The PSA level divided by the size of the prostate. Allows the doctor to better distinguish between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer by taking prostate size into account when assessing the PSA level.

PSA velocity
A measurement of the changes in PSA values over time. PSA velocity is greater in men with prostate cancer than in those without the disease.

Back to Top

Q

Back to Top

R

radical prostatectomy
A type of surgery for prostate cancer that removes the entire prostate and the seminal vesicles.

residual urine
Urine retained in the bladder after voiding. It can become infected or lead to the formation of bladder stones.

retrograde ejaculation
Ejaculation of semen into the bladder rather than through the penis. Can lead to infertility.

retropubic open prostatectomy
An operation for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Used when the prostate is too large for the surgeon to perform transurethral prostatectomy (TURP). It involves moving aside the bladder so that the inner prostate tissue can be removed without entering the bladder.

Back to Top

S

seminal vesicles
Glands located on each side of the male bladder that secrete seminal fluid.

simple prostatectomy
A type of surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that typically involves removing only the inner portion of the prostate. It is performed either through the urethra (TURP) or by making an incision in the lower abdomen (retropubic or suprapubic prostatectomy).

smooth muscle cells
Muscle cells in the prostate that contract to push prostatic fluid into the urethra during ejaculation.

stent
A plastic or metal device placed in the urethra to keep it open.

suprapubic open prostatectomy
An operation for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) performed when the prostate is too large to allow for TURP. Involves opening the bladder and removing the inner portion of the prostate through the bladder.

surgical castration
Surgical removal of either the testicles (bilateral orchiectomy) or the contents of the testicles (subcapsular orchiectomy).

Back to Top

T

thermotherapy
A treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that involves heating the prostate to more than 110° F. Resulting tissue and nerve damage alleviates symptoms.

thromboembolism
Vein inflammation due to a blood clot.

TNM system
A system for describing the clinical stage of a cancerous tumor using T numbers to indicate whether the tumor can be felt and, if so, the extent of the tumor. N numbers indicate cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes, and M numbers are used to indicate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

total androgen blockade
A treatment for prostate cancer that interferes with the production and action of both testicular and adrenal androgens by combining an antiandrogen with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog or surgical castration.

transrectal ultrasound
A procedure that uses an ultrasound probe inserted into the rectum to create images of the prostate. Used during prostate biopsy to diagnose prostate cancer.

transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)
A benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment in which one or two small incisions are made in the prostate with an electrical knife or laser. Symptoms of BPH are alleviated by decreasing the pressure the prostate exerts on the urethra.

transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT)
A benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment that uses microwave energy to heat and destroy prostate tissue.

The microwave energy is emitted from a catheter inserted in the urethra.

transurethral needle ablation (TUNA)
A benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment in which prostate tissue is destroyed with heat delivered by low-energy radio waves through tiny needles at the tip of a catheter inserted into the prostate through the urethra.

transurethral prostatectomy (TURP)
The “gold standard” treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A long, thin instrument called a resectoscope is passed through the urethra into the bladder and used to cut away prostate tissue and seal blood vessels with an electric current. Also called transurethral resection of the prostate.

Back to Top

U

urethra
The canal through which urine is carried from the bladder and out of the body. In men, the urethra also carries semen that is released during ejaculation.

urethral stricture
Narrowing of the urethra.

uroflowmetry
A noninvasive test for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that measures the speed of urine flow.

Back to Top

V

vasodilator
A drug that allows the penis to become engorged with blood by widening the blood vessels. Used as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. Examples are alprostadil, papaverine, and phentolamine.

Back to Top

W

watchful waiting
An approach to the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer in which no treatment is immediately attempted, but the patient is carefully monitored. Also known as expectant management.

water-induced thermotherapy
In this minimally invasive therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a water-filled balloon inflated in the urethra heats the prostate to temperatures that destroy prostate tissue.

Back to Top

X

Back to Top

Y

Back to Top

Z

Back to Top

Derived from The Johns Hopkins White Paper 2007: Prostate Disorders

Look In the Book: Prostate Disorders

copyright 2007 Johns Hopkins Health Alerts.

Back to Top


Posted in Prostate Disorders on October 14, 2007
Reviewed July 2009

(800) 829-0422

Registered Users Log-in:

Email:

Password:

Remember me
Forgot Password?

Become a Registered User!
It's fast and FREE!
The Benefits of Being A Registered User

Health Topic Pages

Arthritis
Back Pain & Osteoporosis
Cancer
Caregivers | Caregiving
Colon Cancer
Complementary Medicine
Depression & Anxiety
Diabetes
Digestive Health
Enlarged Prostate
Exercise and Fitness
Healthy Living
Heart Health
Hypertension & Stroke
Lung Disorders
Memory
Men's Health
Nutrition
Prescription Drugs
Prostate Disorders
Sexual Health
Vision
Weight Control
Women's Health
Health Alert Special Report


Johns Hopkins' Bestsellers

Prostate Disorders

Our Featured Title:

The Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin Cover

The Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin
The Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin is a quarterly publication that presents the latest treatment information available on prostate cancer, enlarged prostate (BPH), and prostatitis to help you take charge of your medical care for prostate disease. Each issue is like having an in-depth consultation with a leading specialist. PLUS, subscribe now and get a special discount PLUS 5 FREE Special Reports as INSTANT PDF DOWNLOADS:

  • Special Report #1: BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
  • Special Report #2: Diet and Prostate Health
  • Special Report #3: Treating Overactive Bladder
  • Special Report #4: Chronic Prostatitis: New Research, Renewed Hope
  • Special Report #5: The Radical Prostatectomy

Click here to read more or order The Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin.


Related Titles:

  • The Johns Hopkins Prostate Disorders White Paper 2010
    This all-in-one comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about your prostate -- what it is, what it does, and what problems can develop, such as prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate), and prostate cancer. You'll learn key facts about prostate health, discover prostate treatments you never knew existed, and understand what your options are if you're ever diagnosed with prostate cancer. 96 pages.
    PLUS, FREE Special Report: Prostate Power through this exclusive offer.
    Read more or order the INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD EDITION
    Read more or order the PRINT EDITION


    THE JOHNS HOPKINS PROSTATE LIBRARY

    A series of cutting-edge publications designed to address your specific prostate questions.

    • ChoosingThe Right Treatment For Your Prostate Cancer
      You have hundreds of questions about your prostate cancer. America's #1 Urology Center's specialists have the answers.ChoosingThe Right Treatment For Your Prostate Cancer is a detailed, up-to-the-minute treatment guide so you can know all your options before making any irrevocable decisions about your prostate cancer treatment. Read more...


  • ALL NEW!Number One of America's Best Hospitals 2010-2011: Johns Hopkins

    The Johns Hopkins Hospital has been ranked #1 again in the Honor Roll of America's Best Hospitals by
    U.S. News and World Report for the 20th consecutive year.


    Please visit here for more information about Johns Hopkins Patient Services


    © 2010 MediZine LLC. All rights reserved.
    Contact Us
    customerservice@johnshopkinshealthalerts.com