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) and the prostate.
Prosthesis(pros-THEE-sis) A device, such as an artificial leg, that replaces a part of the body.
prosthodontist(pros-tho-DON-tist) A dentist who specializes in replacing missing teeth or other structures of the mouth to restore an individual's appearance, comfort…
prostration(prah-STRAY-shun) A condition in which a person is so tired or weak that he or she is unable to do anything.
protease inhibitorA compound that interferes with the ability of certain enzymes to break down proteins.
proteasome inhibitorA drug that blocks the action of proteasomes. A proteasome is a large protein complex that helps destroy other cellular proteins when they are no longer…
protective factor(proh-TEK-tiv FAK-ter) Something that may decrease the chance of getting a certain disease.
protegrin(proh-TEH-grin) One of a family of small proteins found in white blood cells in pigs.
protein(PRO-teen) A molecule made up of amino acids that are needed for the body to function properly.
protein expression(PROH-teen ek-SPREH-shun) Refers to the amount of a protein made in a cell. The study of protein expression in cancer cells may give information about a…
protein kinase C(PROH-teen KY-nayz ...) An enzyme found throughout the body's tissues and organs. Several forms of PKC are involved in many cellular functions.
protein-bound paclitaxel(PROH-teen... PAK-lih-TAK-sil) A drug used to treat breast cancer that has spread or that has come back within 6 months after chemotherapy.
proteoglycanA molecule that contains both protein and glycosaminoglycans, which are a type of polysaccharide.
proteomic profileAn evaluation of proteins in a sample of blood. This may help detect early cancer or cancer recurrence, or help predict response to treatment.
proteomicsThe study of the structure and function of proteins, including the way they work and interact with each other inside cells.
ProtocelA liquid that has been promoted as a treatment for a wide range of diseases, including cancer.
protocolAn action plan for a clinical trial. The plan states what the study will do, how, and why.
ProtonA small, positively charged particle of matter found in the atoms of all elements.
proton beam radiation therapy(PROH-ton beem RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee) A type of high-energy, external radiation therapy that uses streams of protons (small, positively charged…
proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging(PROH-ton mag-NEH-tik REH-zoh-nants SPEK-troh-SKAH-pik IH-muh-jing) A noninvasive imaging method that provides information about cellular activity…
protozoalHaving to do with the simplest organisms in the animal kingdom. Protozoa are single-cell organisms, such as ameba, and are different from bacteria, which…
Provenge(PROH-venj) A vaccine made from immune system cells collected from a patient with prostate cancer.
proximalIn medicine, refers to a part of the body that is closer to the center of the body than another part. For example, the knee is proximal to the toes.
Proxinium(prok-SIH-nee-um) A substance being studied in the treatment of certain types of head and neck cancer.
pruritus(proo-RY-tus) Itching. Severe itching may be a side effect of some cancer treatments and a symptom of some types of cancers.
PS-341A drug used to treat multiple myeloma that has gotten worse during treatment with other anticancer drugs.
PSAA substance produced by the prostate. It may be found in higher levels in the blood of men who have prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia…
PSA bounceA brief rise and then fall in the blood level of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) that occurs in some patients 1-3 years after receiving radiation…
PSA failure(...FAYL-yer) A rise in the blood level of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) in prostate cancer patients after treatment with surgery or radiation.
psammoma body(sam-OH-muh BAH-dee) A structure found in some benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor cells.
PSC 833A substance that is being studied for its ability to prevent or overcome the resistance of tumor cells to some anticancer drugs.
Pseudogynecomastia(soo'-doh-guy'-neh-co-mast"-ee-uh) false gynecomastia; condition of fat distribution in men and boys that makes them appear as if they have breasts.
pseudomyxoma peritonei(SOO-doh-mix-OH-muh PAYR-ih-TOH-nee-I) A build-up of mucus in the peritoneal cavity.
psoralen(SOR-uh-len) A substance from plants that is sensitive to light (or can be activated by light).
psoralen and ultraviolet A therapy(SOR-uh-lenâ¦UL-truh-VY-oh-let A THAYR-uh-pee) A type of photodynamic therapy used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and…
psoriasisA chronic disease of the skin marked by red patches covered with white scales.
psychiatrist(sy-KY-uh-trist) A medical doctor who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
psychological(SY-koh-LAH-jih-kul) Having to do with how the mind works and how thoughts and feelings affect behavior.
psychologist(sy-KAH-loh-jist) A specialist who can talk with patients and their families about emotional and personal matters, and can help them make decisions.
psychosis(sy-KOH-sis) A severe mental disorder in which a person loses the ability to recognize reality or relate to others.
psychostimulant(SY-koh-STIM-yoo-lunt) A drug that causes a sense of well-being, decreases fatigue and depression, and increases the desire to eat.
psychotherapy(SY-koh-THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment of mental, emotional, personality, and behavioral disorders using methods such as discussion, listening, and counseling.
psyllium(SIH-lee-um) A plant with seeds that are used as a mild laxative. The outer layer of the seeds swells when wet.
PT-100A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer, including certain types of lung, pancreas, and brain cancer.
PTCA procedure to x-ray the hepatic and common bile ducts. A contrasting agent is injected into the liver or bile duct, and the ducts are then x-rayed to…
PTCDA procedure to drain bile to relieve pressure in the bile ducts caused by a blockage.
PTHA substance made by the parathyroid gland that helps the body store and use calcium.
PTK787/ZK 222584A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the families of drugs called protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors and VEGF…
PTLDA condition in which a group of B-cells grow out of control after an organ transplant in patients with weakened immune systems.
PTSDAn anxiety disorder that develops in reaction to physical injury or severe mental or emotional distress, such as military combat, violent assault, natural…
puberty(PYOO-ber-tee) The time of life when a child experiences physical and hormonal changes that mark a transition into adulthood.
pulmonary(PUL-moh-nayr-ee) Having to do with the lungs.
pulmonary rehabilitation educationEducation about behavior and lifestyle changes to help patients with chronic lung disease decrease breathing problems, return to daily activities, and…
pulmonary sulcus tumor(PUL-muh-NAYR-ee SUL-kuss TOO-mer) A type of lung cancer that begins in the upper part of a lung and spreads to nearby tissues such as the ribs and…
pulmonologist(PUL-muh-NAH-loh-jist) A doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the lungs.
Pulmozyme(PUL-moh-zime) A drug given in an aerosol mist to decrease the thickness of mucus in the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis.
pump (pump)A device that is used to give a controlled amount of a liquid at a specific rate.
punch biopsy(... BY-op-see) Removal of a small disk-shaped sample of tissue using a sharp, hollow device. The tissue is then examined under a microscope.
pupil(PYOO-pil) The round opening in the center of the iris (the colored tissue that makes the "eye color" at the front of the eye).
Purinethol(PYUR-in-thall) A drug used to treat acute lymphatic leukemia. It belongs to the family of drugs called antimetabolites. Also called mercaptopurine.
purple cloverTrifolium pratense. A plant with flowers that has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems.
purple coneflower(...KONE-flow-er) An herb native to North America that has been used to prevent and treat the common cold and other respiratory infections.
PUVA therapy(...THAYR-uh-pee) A type of photodynamic therapy used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin nodules of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
PV701A virus that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of viruses that cause Newcastle disease in birds.
PXD101A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. PXD101 blocks enzymes needed for cell division and may kill cancer cells.
pyrazoloacridineA substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called acridines.
pyridoxine(PEER-ih-DOK-seen) A key nutrient that the body needs to break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in food for healthy blood, skin, and nerves.
pyroxamide(py-ROX-uh-mide) A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called histone deacetylase inhibitors.