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PSA
PSA Prostate specific antigen. A protein which comes from the prostate gland. The PSA test, which measures the levels of prostate specific antigen in the blood, is one test for prostate cancer.
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Prostate
A male sex gland that produces a thick fluid which forms part of semen.
Antigen
A substance which, when present in animal tissue, stimulates the production of antibodies
Protein
Any of a group of complex organic compounds which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur, the characteristic element being nitrogen. Proteins, the principal constituents of the protoplasm of all cells, are of high molecular weight and consist essentially of combinations of a-amino acids in peptide linkages. Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, and each protein has a unique genetically defined amino acid sequence which determines its specific shape and function. Their roles include enzymatic catalysis, transport and storage, coordinated motion, nerve impulse generation and many others.
Gland
An organ that releases a chemical. Endocrine glands are ductless and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands secrete externally, either through a tube or duct.
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Cancer
Any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division; it may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream.
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Prescription drug
A drug requiring a prescription, a physician's order. By comparison with an over-the-counter drug.
Papulopustular acne
A type of acne characterized by the presence of papules and pustules.
Propionibacterium acnes
A normal resident on the skin, P. acnes will multiply rapidly in clogged hair follicles where sebum is trapped.
Pustule
An inflammatory comedo that resembles a whitehead with a ring of redness around it.
PET scan
Positron emission tomography scan. A diagnostic test that uses a sophisticated camera and computer to produce images of how your body is functioning. PET scans show the difference between healthy and abnormally functioning tissues.
PSA
Prostate
A male sex gland that produces a thick fluid which forms part of semen.
Pallidotomy
A surgical procedure in which a part of the brain called the globus pallidus is lesioned in order to improve symptoms of tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
Parkinsonism
The name given to a group of disorders with similar features; four primary symptoms (tremor, rigidity, postural instability, and bradykinesia) that are the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells.
Palsy
Paralysis of a muscle or group of muscles
Peristalsis
Wavelike contractions that move food through the digestive tract.
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