Dictionary

pseudo- Prefix indicating a medical condition that resembles another condition but appears to have different causes, as in pseudoseizure (a seizure-like episode that may not show up as unusual electrical activity in the brain).

pseudodementia A severe form of depression that results from a progressive brain disorder in which cognitive changes mimic those of dementia.

pseudogout Inflammation of the joints that is caused by deposits of calcium pyrophosphate crystals, resulting in arthritis, most commonly of the knees, wrists, shoulders, hips, and ankles. Pseudogout usually affects only one or a few joints at a time. True gout is due to a different type of crystal, which is formed by the precipitation…

pseudo-Hurler polydystrophy See mucolipidosis III.

pseudomelanosis coli See melanosis coli.

pseudo-obstruction, intestinal See intestinal pseudo-obstruction.

pseudo-obstruction, myopathic Intestinal pseudo-obstruction that is caused by damage to muscle cells in the walls of the bowel.

pseudo-obstruction, neuropathic Intestinal pseudo-obstruction that is caused by damage to nerve cells in the walls of the bowel.

prostate enlargement Overgrowth of the prostate gland, usually due to a common, benign, and very treatable condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Far fewer cases of prostate enlargement are due to prostate cancer. See also digital rectal exam; prostate cancer; prostate gland; prostate specific antigen test; prostatic hyperplasia, benign.

prostate gland A gland in the male reproductive system that is located just below the bladder. It surrounds part of the urethra, the canal that empties the bladder. The prostate gland helps to control urination, and it forms part of the content of semen. Also known as simply the prostate.

prostate specific antigen test A blood test that is used to screen for cancer of the prostate and to monitor treatment. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a protein that is produced by the prostate gland. If elevated levels of PSA are detected in the blood, additional testing is needed if it is being used as…

prostatectomy Surgical removal of the prostate gland. Prostatectomy can be done through an incision in the abdomen or through the urethra (transurethral resection).