Cancer of the penis is also called penile cancer. This form of cancer affects tissues and skin of the penis, but its prevalence is rare. It happens when healthy cells become cancerous and form tumors after growing out of control. Penile cancer can spread to other body parts such as glands, organs, and lymph nodes, in the long run. According to the American Cancer Society, around 2,300 cases of penile cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States¹.

 

Symptoms of Penile Cancer 

The early diagnosis of penile cancer is better. If it is diagnosed in the initial stages, the treatment can be successful and chances are higher than the patient can cure. A delayed diagnosis makes it worse. However, the treatment of advanced cancer is less successful and more disturbing.

When you urinate, you may see and feel your penis, which can aid in the early detection of the condition. Penile cancer is more common in men who haven't been circumcised. However, every man should be aware of the signs and symptoms of penile lesions. If you observe any of the following on your foreskin, shaft, or head of your penis, you must contact your doctor:

• Swelling 
• Ulcer with bleeding 
• An area of skin becomes thick and change colors 
• Velvety and reddish rash 
• Crusty and small bumps 
• Smelly fluid discharge under the foreskin 
• Bluish and brownish flat growth

 

The majority of these symptoms might be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, as well as an allergic reaction. Antibacterial and antifungal ointments and lotions will help with all of them. However, recurring growths or unhealed wounds must be treated as cancer unless proven otherwise.

However, penile cancer is frequently overlooked until it has progressed. Patients are hesitant or ashamed to discuss their genitals. They may also be frightened about penile therapy or surgery. If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

 

Causes of Penile Cancer 

When body fluids get trapped in the foreskin, they eventually lead to penile tumors. If they are not properly cleaned regularly, they may cause cancer. The chances of penile cancer are higher in older individuals. Moreover, conditions like AIDS can also be the causative agent of penile cancer. 

The human papillomavirus (HPV) seems to be another probable cause.  HPV is a sexually transmitted virus. Antibodies to HPV-16 have been discovered in a large number of penile cancer patients. HPV has been linked to cervical cancer in the past. Men who practice proper genital hygiene and are circumcised have a lower risk of developing penile cancer².

 

Penile Cancer Prevention

• It is difficult to prevent penile cancer, but some things can reduce the chances of cancer. 
• Undergo a procedure of circumcision. It would be easier to clean the area when you don't have a foreskin. 
• Keep the underneath area clean if you have a foreskin.
• Avoid tobacco smoking.
• Avoid HPV and HIV infection by practicing safe sex³. 

 

Risk factors 

The following are the risk factors of penile cancer. 

Age

With the increasing age, the risk of getting penile cancer also increases. Men over 55 years of age have higher chances of getting penile cancer. 

AIDS

Penile cancer is more common in men with AIDS. This increased risk appears to be associated with their disease-related compromised immune system. It could be linked to additional risk factors that HIV, (the causative agent of AIDS) infected males are more likely to have. 

Smoking and other tobacco use

Penile cancer is more common in men who smoke or use other tobacco products. Tobacco users who are infected with HPV are at an even greater risk. Tobacco usage exposes your body to a variety of carcinogens. According to research, these compounds cause gene damage in penile cells, which can cause penile cancer⁴.

 

Treatment 

 

Surgery

The most common treatment for penile cancer is surgery. The following surgical procedures are mostly used by the doctor for the treatment of penile cancer. 

• Mohs microsurgery
• Laser surgery
• Cryosurgery
• Circumcision
• Wide local excision
• Amputation of the penis

 

Radiation therapy

Radiation treatment is specifically used for cancer with the help of radiations and x-rays to restrict the growth of cancerous cells or kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is of two types.

External radiation therapy supplies radiation to cancer from equipment outside the body. Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near cancer.

Injecting a radioactive substance into or near cancer through needles, seeds, wires, or catheters included in internal radiation therapy.

The type and stage of the cancer being treated determine how radiation treatment is administered. Penile cancer is treated with both external and internal radiation therapy. 

 

Chemotherapy

The aim of chemotherapy is to stop the growth of cancerous cells or kill cancerous cells. Chemotherapy uses a combination of drugs that stop the dividing of cancer cells. Chemotherapeutic agents enter the bloodstream after administration from the oral route or parenteral route to reach the cancerous cells. The method of chemotherapy administration depends on the type and severity of cancer. In the case of penile cancer, topical chemotherapy is used to treat stage 0 penile cancer. 

 

Biologic therapy

The treatment of cancer that uses the immune system of a patient is called biological therapy. To increase, direct, or restore the body's natural defenses against cancer, substances manufactured by the body or in the lab are used. Biotherapy or immunotherapy are terms used to describe this sort of cancer treatment. To treat the stage 0 penile cancer Imiquimod-based topical biologic treatment may be utilized⁵.  

 

 

References

 

1. Penile Cancer (Cancer of the Penis). [Internet]. [Cited 2021 July 14]; Available from https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer-penis#risk-factors
2. Penile Cancer. [Internet]. [Cited 2021 July 14]; Available from https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/p/penile-cancer
3. Penile Cancer. [Internet]. [Cited 2021 July 14]; Available from https://www.webmd.com/cancer/penile-cancer-overview
4. Risk Factors for Penile Cancer. [Internet]. [Cited 2021 July 14]; Available from

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/penile-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html

5. Penis Cancer. [Internet]. [Cited 2021 July 14]; Available from https://www.medicinenet.com/penis_cancer/article.htm

 

 

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