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Glossary of Terms

Diagnosis Terms

Professional Term Meaning
Adrenal glands Two small, triangle-shaped glands, one located on top of each kidney. These glands secrete various hormones, including androgens
Benign Not cancerous and generally not life threatening
Biopsy A test that involves the removal of cells or tissue for examination under a microscope
Cancer A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and possibly spread
Digital rectal examination (DRE) An exam in which a doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to check for anything abnormal about the prostate
Hormone A chemical in the body produced by glands. hormones circulate in the blood and control how certain cells and organs work
Malignant A cancerous tumor that can grow and spread and may be life threatening
Metastasis The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another part
Pituitary gland A gland located at the base of the brain. This gland produces hormones that tell the testes and other organs to release other hormones
Prostate A walnut-sized gland in men that surrounds part of the urethra. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) A substance in the blood that often increases in cases of prostate cancer and other prostate conditions
Scrotum The outside pouch that contains the testicles
Stage The size and extent to which the cancer may have spread
Testes Male reproductive glands that produce sperm and testosterone
Testosterone The male hormone responsible for the sexual characteristics of men
Tumor An abnormal mass of tissue that results from uncontrolled cell division and growth
Urethra The tube that carries urine from the bladder and semen from the sex glands
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