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Penile cancer is a rare form of cancer that forms in the penis. The
penis contains several types of tissues and different types of penile
cancer may develop in these cells. It is important for your health care
provider to determine which type of penile cells are affected in order
to gauge the seriousness of the disease and plan the best
treatment. Penile cancer is a very rare form of cancer that occurs
mostly in uncircumcised men (men with the foreskin, a piece of skin
covering the head of their penis, intact). The penis is the external
male genital organ, and consists of three chambers of spongy tissue
that contain multiple blood vessels, nerves, and smooth muscle. The
corpora cavernosa make up two of the chambers, and are located on
both sides of the upper part of the penis. The corpus spongiosum is
located below the corpora cavernosa and surrounds the urethra, the
tube through which urine and semen exit the body at an opening
called the meatus. At the tip of the penis, the corpora cavernosa
expands to form the helmet, or glands.
Basal cell penile cancer. Under the squamous cells in the lower
epidermis (one of the layers of the tissues that cover the penis) are
round cells known as basal cells. These can occasionally become
cancerous. Less than 2% of penile cancers are basal cell cancers.
Age. Most cases of penile cancer occur in men over age 50, but
occur in men younger than 40 about 20% of the time.
Psoriasis treatment. Men who have been treated with the drug
psoralen combined with ultraviolet (UV) light have a higher risk of
developing penile cancer.
Symptoms
Men with penile cancer often experience the symptoms below.
Sometimes, men with penile cancer do not show any of these
symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be similar to those of other
medical conditions. If you are concerned about a symptom on this list,
please talk to your doctor.
Irregular swelling at the end of the penis. Penile cancer starts on the
glands (head), or tip, of the penis and spreads from there. Some men
may have obvious symptoms in the early stages, while others may
not have any symptoms until the disease has advanced. Although it
may not mean cancer, any abnormalities of the penis should be
reported to your doctor as soon as possible. Unfortunately, many men
are reluctant to discuss these issues with their physician, and may
delay seeking treatment until the disease is advanced and harder to
treat.
Men who have retained their foreskin need to examine the area
underneath the foreskin regularly, as well as to keep the area clean to
lower their risk. Penile cancer symptoms may include:
Diagnosis
Doctors use many tests to diagnose cancer and determine if it has
metastasized (spread). Some tests may also determine which
treatments may be the most effective. For most types of cancer, a
biopsy is the only way to make a definitive diagnosis of cancer. If a
biopsy is not possible, the doctor may suggest other tests that will
help make a diagnosis. Imaging tests may be used to find out
whether the cancer has metastasized. Your doctor may consider
these factors when choosing a diagnostic test:
X-ray. A picture is taken of areas inside the body to help the doctor
identify the presence of a tumor. An x-ray is usually used to examine
the lungs for evidence of metastases. This is known as a chest x-ray.
Treatment
Through ongoing research, the medications used to treat cancer are
constantly being evaluated in different combinations and to treat
different cancers. Talking with your doctor is often the best way to
learn about the medications you've been prescribed, their purpose,
and their potential side effects or interactions.
Surgery
The main penile cancer treatment (taking out the cancer in an
operation).
Wide local excision takes out only the cancer and some healthy
tissue on either side. This is used when cancer has spread over a
wider area.
2. Radiation therapy
3. Chemotherapy
4. Biological therapy
Treatment by Stage
Treatment of penile cancer depends on the type of cancer and the
stage of the cancer.
After Treatment
After the treatment of penile cancer, a patient will be followed
regularly by his oncologist or surgeon. The patient will typically have
regular physical examinations, with specific examination of the penis
itself and the lymph nodes in the groin. Depending on the anticipated
level of risk of relapse, a patient may need to undergo occasional
chest x-rays or CT scans, as well as some blood tests.
Once the patient has been effectively treated for penile cancer, it is
wise to practice safe sex and to ensure that careful hygiene is
practiced. There are no drugs or remedies proven to reduce the
chances of relapse or second primary cancers in this setting.
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