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.
IG-IMRT
Image-Guided Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, using a SonArray Ultrasound Guided System with intra-fractional motion gating, which takes IMRT to an even higher level of accuracy of delivering the exact dose to the exact location each and every time. Also referred to as 4D IG-IMRT.
Imaging
Radiology techniques that are often computer-enhanced and allow the physician to visualize areas inside the body that would not normally be visible.
Implant
A procedure in which radioactive seeds are placed in the body in order to kill cancer cells. See also Brachytherapy.
Impotence (also Erectile Dysfunction)
The loss of the ability to produce and/or sustain an erection (while desire for sex remains unchanged).
Incontinence
A loss of urinary control. There are various kinds and degrees of incontinence. Overflow incontinence is a condition in which the bladder retain urine after voiding. As a consequence, the bladder remains full most of the time, resulting in involuntary seepage of urine from the bladder. Stress incontinence is the involuntary discharge of urine when there is increased pressure upon the bladder, as in coughing or straining to lift heavy objects. Total incontinence is the failure of ability to voluntarily exercise control over the sphincters of the bladder neck and urethra, resulting in total loss of retentive ability.
Inflammation
Redness or swelling caused by injury or infection.
Informed Consent
Permission to proceed given by a patient after being fully informed of the purposes and potential consequences of a medical procedure.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
The most recent state-of-the-art, computer-aided technique for delivering higher doses of radiation more accurately than either conventional External Beam Radiation of Conformal Radiation.
Intermittent Androgen Deprivation (IAD)
A temporary discontinuation of hormonal therapy that allows for a return to natural testosterone production in order to spare the patient from symptoms associated with androgen deprivation. Also referred to as Intermittent Hormonal Therapy (IHT).
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
A test that utilizes the injection of a special dye to check for the spread of cancer to the kidneys and bladder.
Investigational
Describes a drug or procedure allowed by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for use in clinical trials. Insurance companies tend to deny coverage to procedures, which are described as investigational.
Isodose Line
A line or two-dimensional shape that circumscribes an area receiving a radiation dose greater than or equal to a specified amount.
