Cancer of the penis, otherwise known as penile cancer, occurs when abnormal penile cells grow in an uncontrolled manner. It usually begins in the skin cells and works its way inside. It’s rare, but it can be treated.
Penis
o HPV: Infection with the Human Papilloma Virus contributes to the development of penile cancer.
o Age: Penile cancer is most common in those above 50 years.
o Phimosis: Phimosis (tight foreskin) may increase the risk of developing penile cancer.
o HIV/AIDS: Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a risk factor.
o Being uncircumcised: Fluids can collect under the foreskin, which may lead to cancer growth.
o Smoking: Tobacco use may increase the risk of developing penile cancer.
o Psoriasis treatment: The drug psoralen taken for psoriasis combined with ultraviolet light is known to increase the risk of penile cancer.
Signs or symptoms of penile cancer are seen on the foreskin of uncircumcised men, on the penis tip (glans), or the shaft. These signs include:
Treatment for penile cancer involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes:
o Age: Penile cancer is most common in people above the age of 50.
o Being uncircumcised: Fluids can collect under the foreskin, which may lead to cancer growth.
o HPV: Infection with the Human Papilloma Virus contributes to the development of penile cancer.
o HIV/AIDS: Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a risk factor.
o Smoking: Tobacco use may increase the risk of developing penile cancer.
o Psoriasis treatment: The drug psoralen taken for psoriasis combined with ultraviolet light may increase the risk of penile cancer.
o Phimosis: People with phimosis (tight foreskin) have an increased risk of developing penile cancer.
Doctors begin by reviewing medical history and conducting a physical exam
If symptoms suggest penile cancer, other tests will be required. These might include biopsy and imaging tests. Sometimes a Computed tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are done to detect the size of the tumor.
Ultrasound and chest X-rays may also be done to check the spread of cancer.
Primary preventative measures include circumcision, smoking cessation, genital hygiene, and human papillomavirus (HPV) prevention.
Personal and genital hygiene is a must for prevention. Carefully cleaning under the foreskin regularly can lower the risk of developing penile cancer. Avoid smoking and sexual practices that could lead to an HPV or HIV/AIDS infection.
Penile cancer is rare. Higher rates are seen in the developing world where neonatal circumcision is low and socioeconomic conditions predispose people to risk factors such as phimosis, smoking, and psoralen UV-A phototherapy.
Survival rates depend on factors such as the stage of the disease when diagnosed and so on. The survival rate (5 years) for penile cancer is 65%.
Survival rates depend on factors such as the stage of the disease when diagnosed and so on. Penile cancer’s five-year survival rate is 65%. The natural progression of the cancer is Stage 0 (where the carcinoma exhibits in the top layers of skin); Stage I (tumors have grown below the skin of the penis); Stage II (tumors have grown deep into the tissues of the penis); Stage III (when cancer has reached nearby lymph nodes in the groin); Stage IV (the main tumor has grown into nearby tissues, like the prostate, bladder, scrotum, or abdominal (belly) wall).
There are two carcinogenic pathways — HPV-mediated and HPV-independent — that may cause the development of penile cancer. HPV DNA has been found in up to 60–80 % of penile carcinoma.
Early complications of penile cancer include seroma, skin flap necrosis, wound infection, phlebitis, and pulmonary embolus. Late complications include lymphedema of the scrotum and lower extremities.
If you are facing any similar signs or symptoms please contact the BLK-Max team to schedule an appointment at : +91-11-30403040