Prostate Cancer Glossary

This glossary explains the scientific words you'll hear during your treatments.

Adenoma: a benign* tumour* that develops in a gland*. A prostate adenoma is an enlargement of the prostate gland.

Alpha-blocker: a drug which binds to and blocks alpha-receptors on the surface of the cells* of certain muscles (particularly those of the urinary tract and the walls of blood vessels*), causing them to relax. They are useful for a better urinary function.

Analgesic: a drug or other means that prevents, reduces, or eliminates pain. It is also called an analgesic

Anatomopathology: medical speciality which consists of observing tissues* or cells* taken from the patient, in order to identify and analyse anomalies linked to a disease. The examination is first carried out with the naked eye, then under the microscope. It is also called anatomocytopathology or, by abbreviation, "anapath".

Anatomopathological examination: see anatomopathology.

Anti-inflammatory: a drug designed to combat inflammation. A distinction is made between steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as corticosteroids* (such as cortisone), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, abbreviated as NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or diclofenac). NSAIDs are unique in that they also act against pain and fever but can cause sides effects on the renal function and the stomach.

Antibody: protein* produced by certain white blood cells*, the B lymphocytes, in reaction to an antigen, a protein which identifies a foreign or abnormal cell*. The antibody recognises the antigen as a foreign element and seeks to destroy it.

Anticoagulant: a drug that reduces blood clotting*, thus preventing the formation of clots in blood vessels*.

Benign: non-cancerous, as opposed to malignant*. A benign tumour* is not a cancer: it develops slowly, without producing metastases*.

Biopsy: taking a sample of cells* or tissue* for analysis by an anatomopathologist. The doctor can perform a biopsy with or without anaesthesia (local or general).The techniques used to take the sample (endoscopy, surgery, puncture, etc.) depend on the location of the tumour and the type of tissue to be analysed. The sample of cells or tissue is then examined by a pathologist.

Bladder neck: narrowed part of the bladder made up of intersecting muscle fibres which communicates with the urethra and through which urine is evacuated when the sphincter* is released.

Brachytherapy: local cancer treatment whose aim is to destroy cancerous cells* by means of rays produced by a radioactive substance placed inside an organ or in contact with it. This implant, in the form of seeds or wires, is temporary or permanent. Only certain organs can be treated by brachytherapy: uterus, prostate, breast, throat, mouth, etc. In the treatment of prostate cancer, two types of brachytherapy can be used: permanent iodine 125 implants or temporary implants (most often iridium 192).

Cavernous body: erectile tissue* of the penis rich in blood vessels* and whose cavities fill with blood during erection. There are two corpora cavernosa, located side by side on the top of the penis.

Cell: the basic unit of life that constitutes any organism. The human body is made up of several billion cells of different types (skin cells, bone cells, blood cells, etc.), most of which multiply, renew themselves and die. Identical cells assembled together form a tissue*. A cell becomes cancerous when it changes, multiplies uncontrollably and no longer dies (loss of apoptosis).

Gene: segment of a chromosome*, made up of DNA*. Humans have about 20,000 genes which contain information about their identity, allow them to pass on their particularities to their descendants and make their cells* function normally. It happens that some genes have abnormalities. The cell's operating programme is then deregulated, and it behaves abnormally.

Chemotherapy: treatment with drugs to destroy cancer cells* or to prevent them from multiplying. Chemotherapy is a general treatment that acts throughout the body.

Chromosome: part of the cell* nucleus made up of DNA*, fragments of which form the genes*. Chromosomes contain the genetic information that defines each individual and part of which is passed on to his or her descendants. Each human cell has 23 pairs of chromosomes.

Clinical examination: examination carried out by a doctor who, after having asked questions relating to the disease, will in particular palpate and auscultate the patient.

Clinical trial: scientific study conducted with the participation of patients. Its objective is to seek better prevention, screening, diagnosis*, treatment, therapeutic strategy or quality of life.

Conformal radiotherapy with intensity modulation (CMIR): external radiotherapy* technique used for certain cancers, which consists of varying the shape of the radiation beams during the same session to adapt precisely to the area treated and avoid healthy tissue*.

CT: computed tomography. See CT scan.

CT scan: an examination that provides thin section images of the body using X-rays*. The images are reconstructed by computer (CT means computed tomography), which allows a precise analysis of different regions of the body. The term CT scan also refers to the machine used to perform this examination. Radiologists also refer to this as a CT scan, abbreviated as CT.

Cure: session during which chemotherapy* drugs are administered. In some cases, the chemotherapy cure is administered in several sessions, over several days, consecutive or not.

Diagnosis: the process by which the doctor will identify the disease from which the patient is suffering. To establish a diagnosis, the doctor relies in particular on the abnormalities noticed by the patient (symptoms), his or her history, a clinical examination* and, if necessary, various additional tests (blood tests, X-rays, etc.). In the case of cancer, confirmation of the diagnosis generally requires a sample (biopsy*) to be examined under a microscope by an anatomopathologist.

Digital rectal examination (DRE): examination of the prostate during which the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the patient's rectum. It allows the doctor to check the volume, consistency and texture of the surface of the prostate. This examination is uncomfortable but painless.

DNA: abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid. A long double chain of spiral molecules that make up the chromosomes*. It is also called a DNA helix. Segments of DNA form genes*. DNA is found identically in the nucleus of every cell* in the body.

Endoscope: an instrument consisting of a fibre-optic tube. The endoscope is inserted into a cavity or duct of the body (oesophagus, stomach, colon, etc.) and is used to examine it and, if necessary, to take samples or carry out treatment. There are several types of endoscopes, rigid or flexible (in this case we speak of a fiberscope), adapted to the different organs. Like a cystoscopy to examine the urethra and the inner wall of the bladder

External radiotherapy: local cancer treatment which aims to destroy cancerous cells* by means of rays while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue* as much as possible. The rays are emitted by a machine called a particle accelerator.

Gland: organ whose function is to produce certain substances which are then released either into the blood (endocrine gland) or outside the body (exocrine gland). The salivary glands produce saliva; the mammary glands produce breast milk. Some glands, such as the thyroid gland or the ovaries, produce hormones* which are essential for the proper functioning of the body. The prostate is a gland; it secretes prostatic liquid which is one of the components of sperm*.

Gleason score: measure of the aggressiveness of a prostate cancer established by anatomopathological* examination of samples taken from this organ. The anatomopathologist assigns a number from 1 to 5 to the cancerous cells* according to their degree of abnormality compared to normal cells. The two numbers that are most represented in the different samples are added together. The higher the score, the more aggressive the tumour.

Haemoglobin: component of the red blood cells*, which gives the blood its red colour and which, with the help of iron, enables oxygen and carbon dioxide to be fixed successively.

Haemogram: biological examination carried out on a blood sample, and which makes it possible to measure the quality and quantity of the various blood cells*; it is also known as a complete blood count (CBC).

Haemorrhoid: dilation of a vein located at the junction of rectum and anus.

Hormone: a substance produced by certain glands* in the body such as thyroid, testis, … Hormones affect the development or functioning of an organ. There are many hormones, which are essential for the proper functioning of the body. Each hormone has one or more specific functions, such as stimulating growth, managing stress, controlling fertility, regulating body temperature, etc. Sometimes they stimulate the growth of cancer cells*.

Hormone therapy: cancer treatment that aims to reduce or prevent the activity or production of a hormone* that may stimulate the growth of a cancerous tumour.

Infusion: a slow, continuous injection of a liquid (medicine, nutrient solution), usually into a vein. It is also called a drip.

IPSS (international prostate score symptoms): a questionnaire that the patient can fill in himself, consisting of seven questions established by the WHO (World Health Organisation) to assess abnormalities related to the prostate.

LH-RH: hormone* secreted in the hypothalamus, a gland* located at the base of the brain which acts on the secretion of testosterone in the testicles.

Lymph: translucent extracellular liquid which transports white blood cells*, the lymphocytes, and evacuates waste from the cells*. Lymph is derived from blood and circulates in vessels, called lymphatic vessels*, which then join the blood vessels*.

Lymph node: a small bulge along the lymphatic vessels*. Often arranged in chains or clusters, lymph nodes are either superficial (in the neck, armpit, groin) or deep (in the abdomen, abdomen, abdomen).They play an essential role in protecting the body against infection or cancerous cells*. When lymph nodes increase in size, they are called adenopathy.

Lymph node dissection: surgical operation which consists of removing the lymph nodes* of a lymphatic drainage area to examine whether they are affected by cancerous cells*.

Lymphatic system: all the vessels, tissues* and organs that produce, store and transport white blood cells* called lymphocytes, which are responsible for fighting infections and other diseases. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system.

Lymphatic vessel: channel through which lymph* circulates. The lymphatic vessels connect the lymph nodes* to form the lymphatic system*.

Malignant: said of a tumour* when it is cancerous, i.e. characterised by the proliferation of abnormal cells*  locally invasive that potentially disseminate distantly (metastases).

MDT (Multidisciplinary Team Meeting): a regular meeting between health professionals during which the situation of a patient is discussed, possible treatments according to the recommendations of good practice* in force and the latest scientific studies, analysis of the benefits and risks involved, as well as the evaluation of the quality of life that will result. The multidisciplinary consultation meetings bring together doctors of different specialities. The doctor then informs the patient and gives him or her a personalised care plan (PPS).

Metastasis: tumour* formed from cancer cells* that have broken away from a first tumour (primary tumour) and migrated through lymphatic vessels* or blood vessels* to another part of the body where they have settled.

Molecular alteration: anomaly occurring at the level of the DNA* constituting the genes* of the cell*. The transformation of a normal cell into a cancerous cell can result from the occurrence of several molecular anomalies in the DNA.

Monoclonal antibody: antibody* produced in the laboratory from a cell clone* (hence the term monoclonal). Thanks to medical research, monoclonal antibodies have been produced. These antibodies can block specific mechanisms of particular cells, such as osteoclasts. Other monoclonal antibodies target specific mechanisms in cancer cells and are used in the treatment of certain cancers.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): an examination technique that creates precise images of a part of the body, using waves (such as radio waves) and a magnetic field (the area in which a magnet has an effect). The images are reconstructed by a computer and interpreted by a radiologist. This technique is used in particular for the diagnosis* of certain tumours*. During the examination, the injection of a contrast product may be necessary to improve the quality of the image. This examination is painless.

Neurovascular band: set of nerves and blood vessels* which pass on each side of the prostate and allow erection. It is also called a vasculonervous band.

Palliative treatment: a treatment aimed at reducing pain or relieving symptoms of a disease to help preserve quality of life. Palliative treatments do not aim to cure.

Pelvis: the lower part of the abdomen containing the bladder, rectum and internal reproductive organs such as the prostate in men.

Perineum: part of the body that extends between the anus and the genitals.

Periurethral balloon: a small inflatable bag used to treat urinary incontinence* during stress. The balloons are placed on either side of the urethra* near the bladder and then adjusted and inflated.

Photon: type of ray* used in radiotherapy, similar to light and endowed with great energy.

Platelet: a component of the blood that contributes to blood coagulation* and healing. The quantity of platelets may, for example, decrease during or after chemotherapy* treatment. This decrease is called thrombocytopenia.

PSA (prostate specific antigen): abbreviation of the English prostatic specific antigen. PSA is a substance released into the blood by the prostate. A blood test is used to determine its concentration, which is measured in nanograms per millilitre (ng/ml). Several factors can lead to an increase in PSA, such as age, prostate adenoma* or prostate cancer.

Recommendations for good practice: a document designed to help health professionals propose examinations or treatments adapted to a patient in a given situation. The recommendations are based on the analysis of international clinical trials* and on the opinion of experts. They are not set in stone and evolve in line with new knowledge. They are sometimes referred to as CPRs (recommendations for clinical practice) or good practice guidelines.

Recurrence: reappearance of cancer cells*, in the same place or in another area of the body. A recurrence can occur very soon after the end of treatment, but also after a long period of remission. This is also known as a relapse.

Red blood cell: blood cell* containing haemoglobin*, which gives it its red colour. Red blood cells are used to transport oxygen. They are also known as haemocytes.

Scintigraphy: an imaging technique that uses low-level, non-toxic radioactive products, called tracers, which are injected and then marked on a screen. This examination allows certain tumours* or distant metastases* to be detected.

Scrotum: the envelope of skin between the penis and the anus that contains the testicles.

Seminal vesicle: gland* of the male reproductive system, located behind the prostate, on both side, and produce the liquid which, together with the spermatozoa*, makes up the semen*.[1]

Side effect: a predictable but undesired consequence of a treatment that occurs in addition to the main effect of a treatment. Side effects do not occur systematically, but depend on the treatments received, their combination with others, the doses administered, the type of cancer and the way the patient reacts. You are informed about the possible occurrence of side effects. This is also called a side effect.

Sperm: whitish liquid released during ejaculation. Sperm is made up of spermatozoa* and secretions from the various male genital glands* (prostate, testicles, etc.)

Spermatozoids: the male reproductive cell* that can fertilise an egg (ovocyte).

Sphincter: a round muscle around a natural orifice which allows an organ to open and close by contracting (bladder, anus). These sphincters allow the retention and evacuation of urine and faeces.

Stage: degree of extension of a cancer. The stage of the cancer is specified by means of a classification that takes into account the size of the tumour* and the presence or absence of cancerous cells* in the lymph nodes* and in other parts of the body. This information, specified at the time of diagnosis*, is used with other factors to determine the treatment.

Sub-urethral band: tape placed under the urethra* which allows it to be compressed, thus avoiding urinary incontinence* during an effort.

Targeted therapies: a set of drugs designed to block the growth or spread of tumour cells* by interfering with molecular* alterations or mechanisms that are at the origin of their development or dissemination. This so-called "targeted" action makes it possible to act more specifically on tumour cells and thus limit the damage caused to normal cells. However, they have specific side effects*.

Tissue: a group of cells* which perform the same function, such as muscle tissue or bone tissue.

Total prostatectomy: surgical operation which consists of removing the entire prostate and the seminal vesicles*. It is also called radical prostatectomy.

Tumour: a more or less voluminous lump due to an excessive multiplication of normal cells* (benign tumour*) or abnormal cells (malignant tumour*). Benign lesions can grow and compress other normal tissues causing severe problem such as dysuria and renal insufficiency for prostate, blindness for pituitary adenoma. A benign lesion can cause death when it becomes inoperable and continue to grow (mainly recurrent meningioma or adenoma in the head…). Malignant tumours (cancer) tend to invade neighbouring tissues and migrate to other parts of the body, producing metastases*.

Ultrasound: an examination which allows the inside of the body to be viewed through the skin. The doctor slides a probe over the area of the body to be examined which produces ultrasound (vibrations not audible to the human ear). When the ultrasound hits the tissue*, it is reflected back to the probe as an echo. The echo is captured by a computer and transformed into images on a television screen.

Urethra: the canal that runs from the bladder to the outside of the body to release urine. Much longer in men than in women, it also allows the passage of sperm*. The urethra is distinct from the ureters, which carry urine from the two kidneys to the bladder.

Urinary incontinence: involuntary loss of urine. Urinary incontinence can be either complete (loss of control of the sphincters* which retain urine in the bladder) or incomplete, occurring during the day (when walking, during effort) or at night, alternating with normal control.

Urinary meatus: external orifice of the urethra*, located at the end of the penis (glans) in men, through which urine and sperm* are emitted.

White blood cell: cell* that fights infections. White blood cells are present in the blood and in the lymph*. They are also called leukocytes. Different types of white blood cells exist.