The penis is the male sexual organ and also a terminal part of the male urinary system. It consists of numerous tissues, such as skin, nerves, blood vessels and smooth muscle.
What are penile cancers ?
Penile Cancers are basically tumours of the Penis. Primary malignant penile cancer is a rare disease. Different types of penile cancer can arise from the varied tissues in the penis. It is important to know because each cancer is different and each has a varied treatment.
How is a penile cancer caused ?
As in female genital tumours, human papilloma virus (HPV) infection plays a role in the aetiology of cancer of the male genitalia as well. Smoking is also a known risk factor. Not being circumcised with certain conditions (smegma and phimosis, conditions which inflame the penis because of build-up of secretions) may be at higher risk for penile cancer.
What are the types of penile cancers ?
There are several types of cancer that can initiate in the penis.
- Squamous cell carcinoma : A majority of penile cancers are mainly squamous cell carcinomas (or squamous cell cancers). Most of these cancers are known to crop up on the foreskin (in uncircumcised men) or on the terminal portion of the penis, the glans.
- Verrucous carcinoma : This is a fairly uncommon form of squamous cell cancer that can occur in the skin in parts of the body, including the penis.
- Carcinoma in situ (CIS): This is the first stage of squamous cell cancer of the penis. In this stage the cancer cells are confined to only the top few layers of skin. They are yet to invade the deeper penis tissues.
- Melanoma: Melanoma is a malignant skin cancer of melanocytes, the pigment producing cells of skin. These cancers grow and spread quickly and are more treacherous than the common types of skin cancer. These rarely occur in areas like the penis.
- Sarcoma: A small portion of penile cancers are sarcomas. These cancers develop from the penile connective tissue cells.
What are the clinical features of penile cancers ?
The clinical presentation of penile cancer is variable, and can range from a hardened area to a small outgrowth, rashes or ulcers. Itching or burning in the foreskin area, as well as ulceration in and around the glans are the most commonly reported symptoms; pain is usually not a presenting complaint.
How are penile cancers diagnosed ?
- A complete physical examination of the body is mandatory.
- Biopsy- Removed tissue examined under a microscope by a pathologist is confirmative for penile cancer.
- Imaging tests
To determine the exact extent of disease, additional tests may need to be performed so doctors can view, assess and judge the cancer and determine how far it has progressed or spread. These tests may include the following such as X- rays, CT Scan, MRI Scan or PET Scans.
How are penile cancers staged ?
Grade and Stage describe the tumour, helping to provide guidance for the urologist in choosing the best treatment option(s). Staging is a careful attempt to find out the extent of the cancer. Staging will define whether the cancer has invaded adjacent structures, if the disease has spread and to which parts of body. The higher the stage the further the cancer has grown away from its original site on the penis. Grade refers to what the cancer cells resemble and how fast the cells are multiplying. The higher the grade, the more the cells are aggressive and the more they multiply.
How are penile cancers treated ?
Penile cancer is highly treatable when found early. Treatment depends on cancer type, staging of the cancer, and its location. There are three types of standard treatment for penile cancer.
1) Surgery : surgical treatments for Penile Cancers include either Partial or total penectomy. This operation removes just a part or whole of the penis. It is the most widespread and effective way to treat penile cancer that has grown deep into the penis. The surgeon will leave as much of the shaft or body of the penis as possible.
- Partial penectomy : If only the terminal end of the penis is removed (and some shaft is remaining).
- Total penectomy : This operation removes the entire penis, including the part extending into pelvis. The surgeon then has to create another new opening for urine to drain from the body.
2) Radiation therapy: A cancer treatment that utilizes high-energy x-rays or basically radiation to eradicate cancer cells. The two main types of radiation therapy used to treat anal cancer are external beam therapy and internal radiation therapy, also known as brachytherapy.
3) Chemotherapy : Another kind of cancer treatment that uses either drugs or chemical substances (hence the name chemotherapy) to kill cancer cells and prevent them from dividing.
What is the care to be taken after the removal of a penile cancer ?
Metastatic diagnostic workup and monitoring post-treatment has to include imaging and scanning of the limbs, thorax, chest, retroperitoneum, and abdomen with radiography, MRI or CT scans. Adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be required in cases wherein excision cannot be done completely.
Are penile cancers preventable ?
Either we can prevent the pre-cancer from occurring or we can prevent the progression of pre-cancer into full blown cancers. Avoiding exposure to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) by practising safe sex and getting the HPV vaccine helps in preventing penile cancer. Maintaining genital hygiene and not smoking also can help prevent penile cancer.
How to find and reach cancer specialists for penile cancer treatment ?
Now you can find and reach cancer specialists for penile cancer treatment from different cancer hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions and information from multiple cancer specialists, cost estimates for penile cancer treatment from different cancer hospitals, compare things and then choose a cancer specialist or a cancer hospital for penile cancer treatment.
Find, reach and choose a cancer specialist for penile cancer treatment on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
