Penile cancer is a rare form of cancer, occurring in uncircumcised men with numerous sexual partners and poor personal hygiene. Approximately 10% of males in Asia are diagnosed with penile cancer. Let us take a look at the top 10 things you should know about penile cancer.
Penile Cancer – What is it?
Penile cancer, the rarest form of cancer, affects the tissues and skin of the penis. It happens when the healthy cells of the penis gradually become cancerous and get out of control. It eventually leads to the formation of a tumor.
If not treated on time, it is likely to spread to other body parts. It might spread to lymph nodes, glands, and other organs. Penile cancer typically starts within the skin cells and can eventually work into the insides.
What are the Types of Penile Cancer?
Penile cancer usually commences as a type of skin cancer. The various types of penile cancer are:
- Melanoma: it usually begins in those cells which provide colour to your skin.
- Squamous cell carcinoma or epidermoid carcinoma: as much as 95% of penile cancer cases are caused by SCC. It commences on or deep within the foreskin and can sometimes appear on other parts of the penis.
- Basal cell carcinoma: generally starts deep within the skin and grows exceptionally slowly. However, it is not likely to spread to other body parts.
- Sarcomas: this cancer usually commences in tissues like muscle, blood vessels, and fat.
Symptoms of Penile Cancer
The initial penile cancer symptoms are typically noticeable. Patients might notice a small, insignificant lump ulcer or mass on the penis. This large infected sore is usually located on the foreskin or tip rather than the shaft of the penis.
Some other significant symptoms of penile cancer include:
- Burning
- Thickening of penile skin
- Itching
- Irritation
- Unusual discharge
- Bleeding
- Swollen and painful lymph nodes in the groin region
- Redness
- Considerable color changes of the penis skin
If you notice or experience any of the above symptoms, get a doctor’s consultation immediately. Acquiring early diagnosis and treatment will significantly reduce the chances of critical outcomes.
Risk Factors Associated with Penile Cancer
People who are at greater risk of developing penile cancer are:
- Men with uncircumcised penis as conditions like smegma or phimosis might occur.
- Men who are chain smokers and excessive tobacco consumers
- Men who are over the age of 60 years
- Men who have multiple sexual partners and have transmitted HPV sexually
- Men who don’t adhere to adequate personal hygiene
- Men who avoid cleaning the area beneath the foreskin
How Does Penile Cancer Look?
Penile cancer might be a mass, lump, discoloration, or sore on the penis. However, it entirely depends on the type of skin cancer that causes it. Most penile cancers are commonly located on the tip or foreskin of the penis.
If you notice any lump on your penis, contact a urologist from BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital. They will perform specific diagnostic tests and determine whether or not the lump is cancerous.
What are the Stages of Penile Cancer?
The stages of penile cancer describe how worse the condition is and how rapidly it has spread. The five distinct stages determine the best treatment plan for patients. They are outlined as:
- Stage 0, where cancer is present on the top of the skin layer.
- Stage 1, where cancer has spread to the connective tissue.
- Stage 2, where cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and blood vessels.
- Stage 3A, where cancer has spread to erectile tissues or the urethra.
- Stage 3B cancer has spread across multiple nodes on both groins.
- Stage 4 is where cancer has spread across nearby areas like the prostate and pubic bone.
Diagnosis of Penile Cancer
Healthcare practitioners usually perform tests for diagnosing penile cancer. Some of them are:
● Biopsy
A small amount of skin tissue is removed from the penis to determine whether or not cancer cells are present.
● Physical examination
Doctors inspect the penis for any significant masses, lumps, or sores.
● CT Scan
It makes detailed images of the body to view from numerous angles.
● MRI
It is conducted to ensure that penile cancer has not spread deeper or elsewhere.
● Cystoscopy
A camera attached to a thin tube is inserted into the penis through the bladder.
● PET scan
Radioactive glucose is injected into the body to detect cancerous tumor cells.
● Ultrasound
It uses high-energy sound waves to form a picture of body tissues.
Treatment of Penile Cancer
Penile cancer is usually of two types – invasive and non-invasive. Non-invasive cancer is usually treated through:
- Laser therapy
- Circumcision
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Cryosurgery
- Moh’s surgery
- Excisional surgery
- Partial penectomy
How to Cope with Penile Cancer?
Penile cancer can have a severe toll on the minds of patients. Patients need to deal with their stress and anxiety with the help of a strong support network.
Long-Term Outlook for Penile Cancer
Receiving early diagnosis and treatment can help patients make a full recovery. However, the outlook might differ from person to person. So it is best to adhere to the treatment plan that your doctor suggests.
To Conclude
A significant sore, lump, or discoloration of the penis are the probable signs of penile cancer. Besides, penile cancer symptoms can include unusual bleeding, burning, and discharge. If you notice any of these, it is recommended to seek medical attention at the earliest. A prompt gaziantep escort bayan treatment that comes with an early diagnosis might significantly reduce the risks associated with penile cancer.
