Types of Cancer » Prostate Cancer

prostate cancer (prah-state KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum). Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men.

prostate (PROS-tayt) A gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate surrounds the part of the urethra (the tube that empties the bladder) just below the bladder, and produces a fluid that forms part of the semen.

prostate-specific antigen PSA. A substance produced by the prostate that may be found in an increased amount in the blood of men who have prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or infection or inflammation of the prostate.

prostate-specific antigen test A blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a substance produced by the prostate and some other tissues in the body. Increased levels of PSA may be a sign of prostate cancer.

prostatectomy (prah-sta-TEK-toh-mee) An operation to remove part or all of the prostate. Radical (or total) prostatectomy is the removal of the entire prostate and some of the tissue around it.

prostatic acid phosphatase (FOS-fa-tays) PAP. An enzyme produced by the prostate. It may be found in increased amounts in men who have prostate cancer.

prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (prah-STA-tik IN-truh-eh-puh-THEE-lee-ul NEE-uh-PLAY-zhuh) PIN. Noncancerous growth of the cells lining the internal and external surfaces of the prostate gland. Having high-grade PIN may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

prostatitis (prah-stuh-TY-tis) Inflammation of the prostate gland.

prostatocystectomy (pros-tuh-toh-sis-TEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove the bladder (the organ that holds urine), the seminal vesicles, and the prostate. The seminal vesicles and prostate are glands in the male reproductive system that help make semen. Also called cystoprostatectomy.

stage I prostate cancer Cancer is found in the prostate only. It cannot be felt during a digital rectal exam and is not visible by imaging. It is usually found accidentally during surgery for other reasons, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (a condition in which an overgrowth of prostate tissue occurs). Also called stage A1 prostate cancer.

stage II prostate cancer Cancer is more advanced than in stage I, but has not spread outside the prostate. Also called stage A2, stage B1, or stage B2 prostate cancer.

stage III prostate cancer Cancer has spread beyond the outer layer of the prostate to nearby tissues and may be found in the seminal vesicles (glands that help produce semen). Also called stage C prostate cancer.

stage IV prostate cancer Cancer has metastasized (spread) to lymph nodes near or far from the prostate, or to other parts of the body, such as the bladder, rectum, bones, liver, or lungs. Metastatic prostate cancer often spreads to the bones. Also called stage D1 or stage D2 prostate cancer.