Prostate Cancer Health Center

Prostate Cancer: Glossary

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Urologist: a doctor who specializes in treatment of the urinary tract for men and women, and the genital organs for males.

Vacuum constriction device: a cylinder that is placed over the penis to treat impotence. The air is pumped out of the cylinder, which draws blood into the penis and causes an erection. The erection is maintained by slipping a band off the base of the cylinder and onto the base of the penis.

Viagra: a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction.

Void: to urinate.

Voiding dysfunction: difficulty urinating.

Watchful waiting: an approach used for localized, slow-growing prostate cancer involving regular checkups instead of immediate treatment.

X-ray: high-energy radiation used in low doses to diagnose diseases and used in high doses to treat cancer.