Glossary of Terms
When it comes to your prostate health, knowledge is power. We at Dattoli Cancer Center understand that on your journey to acquire information about prostate cancer, related research, and various treatments, you will come across medical and scientific jargon that might need further explanation. Here we've provided a Glossary of Terms related to the topics of prostate health, prostate cancer, prostate cancer research and prostate cancer treatments and cures. You can search for a term numerically or alphabetically by selecting a character in the box below or simply scroll down through the list of terms and their corresponding definitions.
HDR Brachytherapy
High Dose Rate brachytherapy involves the temporary insertion of radioactive iridium isotopes into the prostate gland using transrectal ultrasound guidance.
Hematuria
Blood in the urine.
Hereditary
Inherited genetically from parents and earlier generations.
Holistic Medicine
Medical care, which considers the patient as a whole, including his physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social and economic needs.
Hormonal Therapy
Treatment that attempts to shut down the production of hormones that nourish prostate cancer cells (also known as hormone therapy, hormone ablation therapy, hormone deprivation therapy, anti-androgen therapy and anti-hormonal therapy). Because prostate cancer is usually dependent on male hormones to grow, hormonal therapy can be an effective means of alleviating symptoms and retarding the development of the disease.
Hormone
A substance produced by one tissue or gland and transported by the bloodstream to another to effect or regulate physiological activity such as metabolism and growth.
Hormone Refractory PCa
Prostate cancer that is androgen independent, and therefore, unresponsive to hormonal therapies.
Hot Flash
A side effect of some forms of hormonal therapy, experienced as a sudden rush of warmth to the face, neck, and upper body.
