14/07/2026
We understand that medical terminology can sometimes feel overwhelming. This guide explains some of the common words and phrases you may hear during your appointments/ Kubatana meetings in simple, everyday language.
Prostate – A small gland found only in men, located below the bladder. It helps produce the fluid that carries s***m.
Metastasis – When cancer has spread from where it first started to another part of the body.
Urethra – The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. In men, it also carries semen.
Histology – A laboratory examination of a tissue sample (biopsy or surgery specimen) under a microscope to determine if cancer is present and how aggressive it is.
Organ-confined disease – Cancer that is still contained within the prostate and has not spread outside it.
Open Radical Prostatectomy – An operation to remove the entire prostate through a single incision in the lower abdomen.
Robotic Radical Prostatectomy – An operation to remove the prostate using robotic-assisted instruments through several small incisions. The surgeon remains in full control of the robot throughout the procedure.
Brachytherapy – A type of radiation treatment where tiny radioactive seeds are placed inside the prostate to treat cancer.
External Beam Radiotherapy – A type of radiation treatment where a machine directs radiation at the prostate from outside the body.
Comorbidities – Other medical conditions a person has in addition to their main illness, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
Urinary Incontinence – Difficulty controlling your bladder, which may cause urine leakage.
Pelvic Floor Exercises – Exercises that strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and help improve bladder control, especially after prostate surgery.
Urologist – A doctor who specializes in treating conditions affecting the urinary tract and the male reproductive system.
Pathologist – A doctor who examines tissue and laboratory samples to help diagnose diseases, including cancer.
Radiation Oncologist – A doctor who specializes in treating cancer using radiation therapy.
Oncologist – A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer.
PET-CT Scan – A special scan that combines two types of imaging to show both the body’s structure and areas of increased activity. It helps determine whether cancer has spread.
CT Scan – A detailed X-ray scan that creates cross-sectional images of the inside of the body.
MRI Scan – A scan that uses magnets and radio waves to produce very detailed images of organs and tissues. It is commonly used to assess the prostate.
PI-RADS – A scoring system used to describe how suspicious an area in the prostate appears on an MRI scan. A higher score means there is a greater chance that clinically significant prostate cancer is present.
Lesion – An abnormal area of tissue. A lesion is not always cancer, but it may need further investigation.
Digital Re**al Examination (DRE) – A physical examination where the doctor gently inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the re**um to feel the prostate for any abnormalities.
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) – A blood test that measures a protein made by the prostate. Higher-than-normal PSA levels may be caused by prostate cancer, an enlarged prostate, infection, or inflammation.
Watchful Waiting – A management approach where treatment is not started immediately. Instead, the doctor monitors your condition and focuses on treating symptoms if they develop. This is often chosen for older patients or those with other significant health conditions.
We hope this guide helps you better understand the terms you may hear during our Kubatana Meetings. Please don’t hesitate to ask us if there is anything you would like us to explain further.
