Glossary of Terms

Minimally invasive surgery that uses a robotic system to remove the prostate gland.

Standard radiation treatment given to patients with biochemically recurring prostate cancer after ar radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate).

Tube-shaped glands in the male reproductive system that produce fluid that will become semen.

A genomic test that looks for changes in cancer genes in a sample of tumor tissue or a blood sample (liquid biopsy).

An external beam radiation that allows highly precise delivery of high doses of radiation to small targets.

The health and well-being of an individual with cancer from the moment of diagnosis and beyond. Survivorship includes mental, physical, emotional, and financial concerns, as well as follow-up care.

Any type of cancer treatment that targets the entire body (ie. chemotherapy).

A system to describe the amount and spread of cancer in a patient’s body, using TNM. T describes the size of the tumor and any spread of cancer into nearby tissue; N describes spread of cancer to nearby lymph nodes; and M describes metastasis (spread of cancer to other parts of the body). This system was created and is updated by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the International Union Against Cancer (UICC). The TNM staging, used in combination with tumor grade and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), is regarded as a well accepted practice standard for prostate cancer and is used as the basis for guiding treatment decision making.

A thin biopsy needle is inserted through the perineum (area between the scrotum and the anus) into the prostate to remove a tissue sample (biopsy). The ultrasound device is inserted into the rectum to guide the needle.

A biopsy where a thin needle is inserted through the rectum into the prostate.

A procedure that uses sound waves to create an image. It also may be used during a biopsy. Also known as ultrasonography.

Low-level radiation used to take photographs of the body to aid in diagnosing cancers.