Penis Cancer (Penile Cancer)

What is Penis Cancer (Penile Cancer)?

Cancer in the penis refers to the growth of tumored cells that begin in the penis. Penis cancer, also called penile cancer and squamous cell cancer of the penis, is concentrated only on the penis and is separate and different from cancers found in other parts of the male reproductive system, such as prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Cancer of the penis is not a common form of cancer, but is quite intrusive, encroaching and quick to develop.

Penis Cancer Statistics

Penile cancer is not common to men in the United States. Compared to patients afflicted with prostate cancer, with estimated cases rising to 218,890 in 2006, the estimated cases of penile cancer in the US in 2006 comes to only 1,280. This would mean that only one in 100,000 men in the US has penis cancer, significantly less than the 7,920 estimated cases of testicular cancer. These values are provided by the American Cancer Society; the estimated figure for penis cancer is actually shared with the number of cases of other forms of cancer of the male genitalia that has not as yet been mentioned. Also according to this census, there have been only approximately 290 deaths from penile cancer in the US in 2006. Statistically, older men are more susceptible to penis cancer.

The occurrence of penis cancer is also rare in European countries, but more frequent in certain African and South American locations. Uncircumcised men are more prone to penis cancer as smegma, the odiferous substance that gathers under the foreskin, is seen to escalate the risks of cancer. Uncircumcised men lower the risks by adopting proper hygienic practices. Another possible cause is the infection of the human papillomavirus or HPV; patients with penis cancer are often diagnosed with HPV. Genital HPV is transmitted sexually, and can be avoided by using a condom.

Penis Cancer Symptoms

The first symptoms of penis cancer are the presence of lumps, sores or lesions on the penis, particularly on the tip of the penis. These sores may or may not be painful, although lumps that are merely tender, as well as sores that do not sting are more prevalent symptoms of penile cancer. Doctors may also look for peculiar discharge and secretions. More advanced stages of penile cancer will cause pain in the penis, and bleeding.

Penis Cancer Treatments

As mentioned earlier, cancer of the penis develops and spreads quickly. It must be detected early as there is only 65% surety of the 5-year survival rate if the cancer is treated right away. Surgery is the standard treatment for penis cancer, at all stages. It may be as minor as local excisions and microsurgery, which only removes the cancerous cells and avoids actual tissue, or as complicated as laser surgery and amputation, which is considered the most effective way of removing cancer.

Other methods of treatment include radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, may be administered to augment surgical treatment. It is not highly recommended as a main treatment for cancer as there are many side effects, which is also the case of chemotherapy. Amputation may seem rather drastic, but be comforted that penis cancer is a very rare form of cancer and can be prevented with good hygiene and precautionary measures during sexual intercourse.

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