Glossary of Terms

A type of high-energy radiation that can cause chemical changes in cells and damage to DNA.

Electrical pulses are used to break up cell membranes and kill the cells.

Exercises that help to strengthen the muscles that support the bladder.

A treatment that uses a laser to heat and remove tumor tissue.

Cancer that is completely inside the prostate gland.

Small, bean-shaped organs found throughout the body. They are an important part of the immune system. They also help to drain extra fluid from the body.

Medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues in your body.

Chemical reactions in the body that change what you eat and drink into energy.

Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, including the bones or other organs.

Disease that has spread outside of the prostate gland that is still growing despite receiving hormone therapy.

Disease that has spread outside of the prostate gland that has not been previously treated with systemic therapy/hormone therapy.

A combination of MRI and ultrasound images in real-time that helps your doctor to see clearly where to collect a prostate biopsy sample.

A surgical technique during a prostatectomy where one or both of hte neurovascular bundles controlling erections are spared. The utilization of his procedure is governed by the extent of hte cancer and the skill of the surgeon.

The result of damage to the nerves, often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It can also affect other areas and body functions including digestion, urination and circulation.

An abnormally low count of a type of white blood cell (neutrophils).