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.
Salvage Treatment
A medical tern for "Plan B." It means a patient must undergo another form of treatment because the first therapy was not successful. Salvage therapy does not always work and often has a greater degree of complications.
Saw Palmetto
A nutrient extracted from the saw palmetto shrub, which is considered by some to aid the body''s immune system.
Seed Implantation (SI)
A minimally invasive procedure by which radioactive seeds are implanted into the prostate gland to destroy cancer. Also referred to as seeding and brachytherapy.
Selenium
A no-metallic element thought to be beneficial as a nutrient; it is often included in multivitamin supplements.
Seminal Vesicles
Glands that, like the prostate, support male reproduction. Fluid secreted by these glands regulates the consistency of semen.
Side Effect
A reaction to a treatment or medication, usually referring to an undesirable effect.
Sphincter
A circular muscle which contracts to close an orifice. The urethral sphincter squeezes the urethra shut, providing urinary control.
Stage
The definition of the size and extent of a cancer at a particular point in time. Usually cancers are staged using the T (tumor) N (nodes) M (metastasis) staging system. T!a, b, c,T2a, b, c, and T3 are examples of stages.
Staging
The testing process by which the extent and severity of a known cancer is evaluated according to an established system of classification. It is used to help determine appropriate therapy.
Surgical Margin
The outer edge of the tissue removed during a radical prostatectomy. The surgical margin may be “negative,” indicating that no cancer is present and a better prognosis, or “positive,” indicating that not all of the cancer has been removed.
Systemic
Throughout the body and affecting the entire body.
