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G

gastrointestinal
Related to the digestive system and/or the intestines.

genital system
The biological system that for males includes the testicles, vas deferens, prostate and penis.

genitourinary system
The combined genital and urinary systems. This is also known as the genitourinary tract.

grade
A method of describing the potential severity of a cancer, based on the appearance of microscopic cancer cells.

gynecomastia
Enlargement or tenderness of the male breasts or nipples.

H

hematospermia
The occurrence of blood in semen

hematuria
The occurrence of blood in urine

heredity
The distribution of biological characteristics via their DNA through a group of related individuals.

hereditary
A trait inherited from one's parents or earlier generations.

histology
The study of tissue, usually conducted by a pathologist or a histologist.

hormones
Chemicals that are responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

hormone therapy
The use of hormones, hormone analogs and certain surgical techniques to treat disease, either on their own or in combination with other hormones or other treatment methods.

hot flash or hot flush
The sudden sensation of warmth in the face, neck and upper body.

hydrocelectomy
The surgical removal of the tissue surrounding a testicle that has lost its reabsorption properties.

hyperplasia
The enlargement of an organ or tissue due to an increase in the number of cells.

I

imaging
A method that allows a physician to view something that would not normally be visible.

immune system
The biological system that protects a person or animal from the effects of cancer cells, bacteria, viruses and other things that may cause illness.

implant
A device inserted into the body to replace or substitute for an ability that has been lost. For example, a penile implant is surgically inserted into the penis to allow rigidity for intercourse.

impotence
The inability to attain or maintain an erection.

incontinence
Leaking of or inability to control any substance, commonly refers to urine.

inflammation
Swelling or irritation

interstitial
Within a particular organ.

intravenous
Into a vein.

intravesical chemotherapy
Medication (chemotherapy) placed within the urinary bladder to prevent the recurrence of bladder cancer. Some examples include BCG, thiotepa, andmitomycin.

invasive
Requiring an incision or the insertion of an instrument or substance into the body.

IVP (intravenous pyelogram)
A procedure that introduces a radioactive substance into the urinary tract to allow a superior X-ray image of the tract.

K

Kegel exercises
A set of exercises designed to improve the strength of pelvic floor muscles.

kidneys
A pair of organs whose primary function is to filter fluids passing through the body.

L

laparoscopy
A technique that allows internal organs to be observed directly through a piece of optical equipment (laparoscope) inserted into the body through a small surgical incision.

latent
Insignificant or irrelevant.

libido
Interest in sexual activity.

lobe
One of the two sides of an organ that clearly has two sides (e.g., the brain or the prostate).

localized
Restriction to a well-defined area.

located prostate cancer
Cancer confined to the prostate.

Lupron
The US brand name of leuprolide acetate.

luteinizing hormone releasing hormone
The hormone responsible for stimulating production of testosterone.

luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analog
A drug that blocks the production of testosterone.

lymph or lymphatic fluid
The fluid in which all of the cells in the body are constantly bathed.

lymph nodes
The small glands that appear throughout the body and filter the clear fluid known as lymph or lymphatic fluid.

lymphadenectomy
Lymph node dissection