GAY AREA

Cancer of the Penis

Signs and Treatment Options

Definition
Cancer of the penis (penile cancer) is a malignant growth of cells in the tissue and/or external area of the penis. It is an very rare disease that is generally an aggressive form of cancer that has a tendency to spread.

Prognosis, life expectancy.
If penile cancer has been diagnosed and treated early then the 5 year survival rate is 65%, so it is important to seek medical attention quickly. Elderly men are the most likely to suffer from this form of cancer.

Cause of penile cancer
The cause is unknown but there is a higher incidence of penile cancer in uncircumcised men and men who do not keep the area under the foreskin clean. The presence of smegma, the cheese-like secretion under the foreskin, appears to increase the risk.

Signs and symptoms
The most common symptom is a tender spot, wart like lump or open sore, usually painless, that originates on the tip of the penis. Pain and bleeding usually only occurs if the cancer is advanced. Penile cancer that is not treated can spread into the lymph nodes of the groin and on to other parts of the body. Malignant cells, cancer in the lymph nodes are abnormal, often painless, swellings.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by the surgical removal and biopsy of the lump. This excludes other diseases such as penile warts or syphilis.
There are 4 stages of cancer of the penis.

1. the malignant cells are found only on the surface of the penis
2. the malignant cells are found on the surface, tissues beneath the surface and in the shaft of the penis.
3. the malignant cells have spread to the lymph nodes in the groin.
4. the malignant cells have spread through the penis, lymph nodes in the groin and to other parts of the body.

Treatments
The treatment offered will depend on the stage the cancer has reached. Doctors specializing in cancer (oncologists) or the genital and urinary system, known as urologists are the best and most informed doctors to consult. They will then be able to advise how to proceed with treatment and who are the best doctors in this field of medicine. Seeking treatment for cancer of the penis is extremely important, putting off going to the doctor can cost your life. There are various treatments used for all types of penile cancer:

Surgery
Removal of the cancer is the most common treatment. If the cancer is small and localized to the tip, then a partial penectomy can be performed under a general anesthetic. This operation will allow you to maintain the ability to urinate normally and function sexually. Microsurgery may be possible and this helps to remove the smallest amount of cancerous and minimal amounts of normal tissue to preserve as much of the organ as possible. In some cases the penis that remains can be enlarged surgically.If the cancer is more advanced then a total penectomy is the option. A new urethral opening is created in the groin to allow for urination. Urination is controlled via a 2on-off2 valve.

Radiotherapy
A course of radiotherapy may be used in conjunction with surgical removal of the cancer. This treatment can be done on an outpatient basis and is usually painless. It can cause some side effects such as sensitivity and irritation of the skin, loss of appetite, fatigue, rectal bleeding or injury, inflammation of the bladder, blood in the urine. The course of treatment using an external beam (rather like an X-ray machine) usually lasts 5 days a week for 6 to 8 weeks.

Drugs
Chemotherapy may be used in conjuncture with surgery either intravenously, orally or in the form of a cream. The first course of the 'chemo' is usually started in hospital to monitor any side effects, it can then be given on an out-patient basis. There are a number of unpleasant side effects, for example, nausea and vomiting, hair loss and infertility (this can be temporary).