Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

if above a certain level, it may indicate
prostate cancer. Rectal examinationallows
a doctor to assess the size and hardness
of the gland. Ultrasound scanningand a
biopsyconfirm the diagnosis. Blood tests
and a bone scan (see radionuclide scan-
ning) may also be done. In an elderly man
with a small prostate cancer that has not
spread, no treatment may be recom-
mended. For younger men, prostatectomy
or radiotherapymay be performed. Wide-
spread disease is usually controllable for
some years with orchidectomyor drugs.
prostatectomyAn operation to remove
part or all of the prostate gland. It is
performed to treat enlargement of the
gland (see prostate, enlarged), cancer of
the prostate (see prostate, cancer of), or
prostatitis. The most common method is
trans-urethral prostatectomy, performed
during cystoscopy. If the prostate gland is
very enlarged, retropubic prostatectomy
may be performed. An incision exposes
the prostate and the tissue is removed.
Prostatectomy may affect potency or sex-
ual sensation, though this is not common.
The operation usually causes sterility.
prostate, enlargedAn increase in the
size of the inner zone of the prostate
gland, also known as benign prostatic
hypertrophy. It is most common in men
over 50. The cause is unknown. The
enlarging prostate compresses and dis-
torts the urethra, impeding the flow of
urine. Eventually the bladder is unable
to expel all the urine (see urine reten-
tion) and becomes distended, causing
abdominal swelling. There may also be
incontinenceand frequency of urination
(see urination, frequent).
Prostate enlargement is detected by a
rectal examination. Tests may include a
blood test, ultrasound scanning, urogra-
phy, and a recording of the strength of
urine flow. Mild cases do not require
treatment, but more severe ones usual-
ly require prostatectomy. Alternatively,
drug treatment with alpha-blocker drugs
or androgen drugsmay be given.
prostate glandA solid, chestnut-
shaped organ that surrounds the 1st
part of the male urethra, just below the
bladder. It produces secretions that
form part of the seminal fluid during
ejaculation. The ejaculatory ducts from

the seminal vesicles pass through the

prostate gland to enter the urethra.

prostate specific antigenAn enzyme,

normally produced by the prostate

gland. If produced in excess, it may

indicate the presence of prostate cancer.

prostatismSymptoms resulting from

enlargement of the prostate gland (see

prostate, enlarged).

prostatitisInflammation of the prostate

gland, usually affecting men aged 30–50.

It is often caused by a bacterial infec-

tion that has spread from the urethra. A

urinary catheterincreases the risk. Pro-

statitis causes pain when passing urine

and increased frequency of urination; it

sometimes causes fever and a discharge

from the penis. There may be pain in the

lower abdomen, around the rectum,

and in the lower back, and blood in the

urine. Diagnosis is made by rectal ex-

aminationand tests on urine samples

and urethral secretions. Treatment is

with antibiotic drugs. The condition may

be slow to clear up and tends to recur.

prosthesisAn artificial replacement for

a missing or diseased part of the body;

for example, artificial limbs (see limb,

artificial), heart valves (see heart-valve

surgery), or glass eyes (see eye, artificial).

prosthetics, dentalThe branch of den-

tistryconcerned with the replacement

of missing teeth and their supporting

structures. It includes dentures, over-

dentures (semipermanent fittings over

existing teeth), crowns (see crown, den-

tal), and bridges (seebridge, dental).

PROSTATECTOMY PROSTHETICS, DENTAL

P

PROSTATE GLAND

Prostate

gland

Vas deferens Seminal vesicle

Rectum

Urethra

Testis

Penis

Bladder

Seminal

duct