Penile Cancer or Penis Cancer

The penile cancer is a rare disease in Europe and the United States. And 'more frequent in the south-east Asia, Africa and India. It is more common in men over the age of 60.
Causes (top)
You do not know precisely the cause of penile cancer. It is thought that might be connected with the general conditions of hygiene. The penile cancer is much less common in men undergoing circumcision (removal of the foreskin) at an early age or at birth. This is due to the fact that men are not circumcised, presenting greater difficulty in retracting the foreskin, not always perform a good cleaning of their penis. The human papilloma virus (HPV) that causes genital warts increases the risk of developing cancer of the penis.
There are also some skin diseases that can affect the penis, which, if untreated, may progress to continue to develop cancer. So if you notice white spots, reddish erythematous on his penis and it is important to consult a doctor.
The penile cancer is neither contagious nor hereditary.

Signs and symptoms (top)
The first sign of cancer of the penis is often represented by the color change and by 'thickening of the skin. The following symptoms may result in the appearance of a wound on the penis, especially on the glans (the tip of the penis) or foreskin, but sometimes also on the central part of the penis. May be associated with leakage of fluid or pus. In most cases, cancer of the penis does not produce pain.
Sometimes a tumor occurs as a flat lesion bluish - brown or red rash. Most tumors of the penis can be appreciated only when it is discovered retracting the foreskin the glans.
It 'good to keep in mind that all these signs and symptoms listed above may also be present in other diseases of the skin of the penis of a non-cancerous. Like most cancers, including cancer of the penis is easier to treat if diagnosed at an early stage, so if you notice any suspicious lesion on your penis you should consult a urologist or a dermatologist.
Diagnosis (top)
The clinical examination provides the 'complete examination of the penis and inguinal lymph nodes, which can be affected by increased volume if tumor involvement. To clarify the diagnosis requires the removal of a tissue sample (biopsy) from any suspicious areas. A biopsy is performed under local anesthesia and after the sampled material is then examined under a microscope.
If the biopsy is positive for the presence of a tumor will be necessary to perform other diagnostic tests to check the spread of disease to other parts of the body. The results of these investigations will depend on the treatment planning.
A chest X-ray and a CT scan are performed to rule out the spread of cancer to other parts of the body (metastasis).
Also in case of enlarged lymph node biopsy can be performed to discern between an infection, too 'cause it to increase the nodal volume, and a tumor. It 'can also prescribe an antibiotic and see the' nodal mass of any losses.
Stage and grade (top)
The stage of a tumor indicates its size and scope. The determination of the stage is crucial for planning of therapy and to provide information about prognosis.

  • Stage 1: The cancer has spread only to the skin of the penis (glans, foreskin).
  • Stage 2: The cancer has begun to spread into the penis or in an inguinal lymph nodes.
  • Stage 3: The cancer has spread deep into the penis, or more lymph nodes in the groin.
  • Stage 4: The cancer has spread deep into the pelvis or elsewhere in the body.
If a tumor recurs after initial treatment is called recurrent.
The grade of a tumor refers to the 'appearance of the cells examined under the microscope and gives an idea of ​​what can be aggressive. If the cancer cells look a lot like their counterpart normal define low-grade, are usually slow growing and are less likely to spread (metastases to). In high-grade tumors, however, the cells show marked abnormalities, grow faster and most likely to metastasize.


Treatment (top)
The type of treatment depends on the degree and stage of cancer and the patient's general condition.
The treatment provided for penile cancer are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. These treatments must be performed in a center with experience in the management of this disease.
SurgeryThe small superficial tumors are treated by removing the affected area. This procedure can also be performed outpatient or under the "Day Hospital" in local or regional anesthesia.
If the tumor affects only the foreskin can be treated with a simple circumcision.
If the cancer affects a larger area is needed the 'execution of a partial amputation of the penis (penectomy partial) which involves removing the penis plus a margin of healthy tissue. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and involves a short hospital stay. This type of surgery allows the patient to perform sexual activity.
If the tumor, however, covers a very extensive area, or if there is at the base of the penis will be required at the time the 'execution of a radical amputation of the penis (penectomy radical)
In the case of spreading the disease to the lymph nodes should be performed removal of the same (lymphadenectomy) in the groin bilaterally.
RadiotherapyRadiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It can be used before or after surgery. Radiation therapy can also be used to relieve the symptoms of the disease such as pain, if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as bone.
ChemotherapyChemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is not commonly used to treat cancer of the penis. Some chemotherapy drugs in the form of cream may be applied locally in cases of superficial and small tumors.