Summary about Disease
Penile cancer is a rare cancer that develops in the tissues of the penis. It most commonly affects men over the age of 50, although it can occur at any age. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of penile cancer. Early detection and treatment are crucial for a better prognosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of penile cancer may include:
Changes in skin color or thickening of the penis
A lump, sore, or ulcer on the penis (often painless initially)
Bleeding or discharge from the penis
Swelling in the groin (due to enlarged lymph nodes)
Pain (usually in later stages)
Causes
The exact cause of penile cancer is not always known, but risk factors include:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18
Phimosis (tight foreskin that is difficult to retract)
Poor hygiene
Smoking
Age (over 50)
Ultraviolet light treatment for psoriasis of the penis
Medicine Used
Treatment for penile cancer depends on the stage and location of the cancer and may include:
Topical creams (e.g., imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil) for superficial cancers
Surgery:
Circumcision (for cancers involving the foreskin)
Wide local excision (removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue)
Partial or total penectomy (removal of part or all of the penis)
Lymph node removal (lymphadenectomy)
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy
Is Communicable
Penile cancer itself is NOT communicable. However, HPV, a major risk factor, IS a sexually transmitted infection.
Precautions
Precautions to reduce the risk of penile cancer include:
HPV vaccination (especially for young males)
Practicing good hygiene, including regular washing of the penis, especially under the foreskin (if uncircumcised)
Avoiding smoking
Using condoms during sexual activity to reduce the risk of HPV infection
Regular self-examination of the penis to check for any abnormalities
How long does an outbreak last?
Penile cancer is not an "outbreak" like a viral infection. It is a tumor that develops over time. Untreated, it will continue to grow and spread.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of penile cancer typically involves:
Physical examination of the penis and groin
Biopsy of any suspicious lesions
Imaging tests (e.g., MRI, CT scan, PET scan) to determine the extent of the cancer
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary greatly.
Early Stages: Often painless; may be a small sore or discoloration. It can be present for weeks or months without causing significant concern.
Later Stages: If left untreated, the lesion will grow larger, become more painful, may bleed, and can cause discharge. Lymph nodes in the groin may become swollen. This progression can take months or even years.
Important Considerations
Early detection is critical for successful treatment.
Men should perform regular self-exams of their penis.
Any changes or abnormalities should be reported to a doctor immediately.
Treatment can have significant physical and psychological effects, so support and counseling are important.
HPV vaccination is a key preventative measure.