Prostatectomy

ICD-9, Code-185: To the layman, this code could mean anything. However, to a medical specialist it signifies “malignant neoplasm of prostate” familiarly known in medical and laymen circles as “prostate cancer”.

Simply put, it is a cancer of the prostate gland. The gland is part of the male reproductive system and produces seminal fluid. However, it isn’t limited to prostate and may spread or “metastasize” to other parts of the body like lymph nodes and bones.

Prostate cancer, depending on its stage, is known to create discomfort levels or pain in urinating. Other obvious effects could range from problematic sexual intercourse or erectile dysfunction.

As the disease progresses, other symptoms can develop at later points of time. Identifying the stage of the prostate cancer is important to determine prognosis and therapies.