Glossary
Brachytherapy
A form of radiation therapy in which radioactive seeds or pellets which
emit radiation are implanted in order to kill surrounding tissue (e.g.,
the prostate, including prostate cancer cells)
CAT Scan
(also CT) Computerized Axial Tomography
A method of combining images from multiple X-rays under the control of a
computer to produce cross-sectional or three-dimensional pictures of the
internal organs, which can be used to identify abnormalities. A CAT scan
can identify prostate enlargement but is not always effective for assessing
the stage of prostate cancer. For evaluating metastases of the lymph nodes
or more distant soft tissue sites, the CAT scan is significantly more accurate.
Catheter
A hollow tube (usually made of flexible plastic) used to drain fluids from
or inject fluids into the body. In the case of prostate cancer, it is common
for patients to have a urinary catheter to drain urine for some time after
treatment by surgery or some forms of radiation therapy.
Conformational Therapy
The use of careful planning and delivery techniques designed to focus radiation
on the areas of the prostate and surrounding tissue which need treatment
and protect areas which do not need treatment. Three-dimensional conformational
therapy is a more sophisticated form of this method.
Cystoscope
An instrument used by physicians to look inside the bladder and the urethra.
Cystoscopy
The use of a cystoscope to look inside the bladder and the urethra
Gleason Score
A widely used method for classifying the cellular differentiation of cancerous
tissues; the less the cancerous cells appear like normal cells, the more
malignant the cancer; two numbers, each from 1-5, are assigned successively
to the two most predominant patterns of differentiation present in the examined
tissue sample and are added together to produce the Gleason score; high
numbers indicate poor differentiation and therefore cancer
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)
PSA is a 34 kilodalton glycoprotein serine protease, the function of which
is to break down seminogelins I and II and fibronectin which form the seminal
coagulum. This action of PSA releases spermatozoa from semen and allows
them to migrate freely within the female genital tract.
A protein secreted by the epithelial cells of the prostate gland including
cancer cells. An elevated level in the blood indicates an abnormal condition
of the prostate gland, either benign or malignant. PSA is used to detect
potential problems in the prostate gland and to follow the progress of therapy
Radiation Oncologist
A physician who has received special training regarding the treatment of
cancers with different types of radiation.
Radiation Therapy (RT)
The use of X-rays and other forms of radiation to destroy malignant cells
and tissue.
Radioisotope
A type of atom (or a chemical which is made with a type of atom) which emits
radioactivity
Rectum
The last part of the intestines, which ends at the anus.
Scrotum
The pouch of skin containing a man's testicles.
Perineum
The area of the body between the scrotum and the rectum.
Urologist
A physician trained as a surgeon and specialist in disorders of the genitourinary
system.
Urethra
The tube that drains urine from the bladder through the prostate and out
through the penis.
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