penile cancer

What Is Penile Cancer?

Penile cancer is the growth of malignant cells on the external skin and in the tissues of the penis. Penile cancer is a rare disease. Penile cancer occurs most often in men who were not circumcised as infants.

What Causes Penile Cancer?

The exact cause of penile cancer is unknown. Failing to regularly and thoroughly cleanse the part of the penis covered by the foreskin increases the risk of developing the disease.

What are the symptoms of Penile Cancer?

The most common symptom of penile cancer is a tender spot, an open sore, or a wart-like lump that originates at the tip of the penis. The tender spot spreads slowly across the skin, and invades deeper layers of tissue.

As the cancer grows, pain and bleeding will occur.

Medical consequences of Penile Cancer

If left untreated, penile cancer spreads to other parts of the body (lymph nodes and groin).

How is Penile Cancer diagnosed?

If you believe you may have penile cancer, visit your doctor. Your doctor will perform tests that will diagnose it. Some of the tests your doctor may perform are: physical examination and biopsy of lumps or abnormalities.

What are the Stages of penile cancer?

There are four main stages:

1.           Stage 1, malignant cells are found only on the surface of the head (glans) of the penis.

2.           Stage 2, the penile cancer has spread to the surface of the glans, tissues beneath the surface, and the shaft of the penis.

3.           Stage 3, malignant cells have spread to lymph nodes in the groin, where they cause swelling.

4.           Stage 4, the disease has spread throughout the penis and lymph nodes in the groin, or has traveled to other parts of the body.

What are the Treatment options for Penile Cancer?

Some of the most common treatment options are: Surgery and radiation therapy; amputation of all or part of the penis; medication, chemotherapy, and biological therapy.

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