Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Additional Information on Penile Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide
Penile cancer, a rare disease, affects fewer than U.S. men annually. However, it is crucial to be aware of its symptoms, types, and treatment options due to the potential severity of this condition.
Common symptoms of penile cancer include visible changes such as a sore or ulcer that doesn't heal, a lump on the penis, a thickened or discoloured area on the penis, and swelling near the tip of the penis, particularly in uncircumcised men. Other symptoms may include foul-smelling discharge, bleeding, pain, and itching.
There are various forms of penile cancer, each with different symptoms and treatment options. For instance, Bowen's Disease of the penis, a form of squamous cell carcinoma in situ, often presents as reddish, scaly patches that may look like psoriasis or eczema but do not heal. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) can initially be asymptomatic but as it progresses, symptoms like itching, bleeding, discharge, foul odour, and pain develop.
Treatment for penile cancer depends on the form and stage. For early or superficial lesions, topical agents like imiquimod 5% cream or 5-fluorouracil may be used. These treatments modulate the immune response and have shown about a 70% complete response rate for Bowen’s disease on the penis. For early-stage penile cancer, local surgical treatments including excision may be employed, while radiation therapy may serve as an alternative or adjunct.
For advanced penile cancer, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy for larger tumors or metastasis. Aggressive treatment is emphasized for genital lesions due to the higher risk of invasion and metastasis.
Risk factors for penile SCC include HPV infection, smoking, poor hygiene, and HIV infection. Neonatal circumcision reduces the risk for penile cancer.
Early detection of penile cancer leads to the best outcome, as treatment options are less invasive and recovery is faster. Regular screening, maintaining good genital hygiene, and healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of penile cancer.
It is best for people with any visible changes in their penis to speak to a doctor. If you notice any unusual symptoms or changes, prompt medical evaluation is essential. Remember, early detection and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis for those affected by penile cancer.
- Men should be aware that penile cancer, a rare yet potentially severe disease, can exhibit symptoms such as sores or ulcers that don't heal, lumps, discoloration, swelling, foul-smelling discharge, bleeding, pain, and itching.
- Different forms of penile cancer exist, such as Bowen's Disease of the penis, which may initially present as reddish, scaly patches that resemble psoriasis or eczema but do not heal.
- Treatment for penile cancer depends on the form and stage, with options including topical agents, local surgical procedures, radiation therapy, and for advanced cases, chemotherapy.
- Regular screening, maintaining good genital hygiene, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of penile cancer, while early detection through medical evaluation can significantly improve prognosis.
