Penile Cancer

Penile cancer (cancer of the penis) is rare. Almost all cancers of the penis are squamous cell cancers.

Penile cancer (cancer of the penis) is rare. Almost all cancers of the penis are squamous cell cancers. Squamous cells are found in the skin. They cover the surface of most parts of the body. Most penile cancer is diagnosed over the age of 50. But it can also affect those who are younger.

The penis is the male sex organ. It is made of different types of tissue, such as skin, muscle and nerves. During sexual arousal, blood flow to the penis increases to make it hard and erect. The penis also contains a tube called the urethra. The urethra carries semen (sperm) from the testicles and pee (urine) from the bladder out of the body.

Book an Appointment View Speciality

Signs and Symptoms
Causes

Signs and Symptoms

A growth or sore (ulcer) on the head of the penis (the glans), the foreskin or the shaft
Thickening or raised areas
Changes in the colour of the skin, such as a redness, white patches or areas that look blueish, brown or black in colour
Discharge or bleeding
Pain, a lump or discharge underneath the foreskin, which is usually only seen if the foreskin is pulled back.

Causes

The exact cause of penile cancer is not known. Having certain risk factors may increase the risk of developing it. But having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will develop penile cancer.

How is it diagnosed?

At the hospital, the urologist will ask you about your symptoms. They will examine the penis and check the area at the top of the legs (groin) for any swellings.

The main test to diagnose penile cancer is a biopsy. The doctor takes a sample of tissue (a biopsy) from any abnormal or sore-looking area on the penis.

Tests to check the lymph nodes: One of the first places penile cancer can spread-to is the lymph nodes in the groin. Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps protect us against infection and disease. If the cancer has spread, the lymph nodes in the groin may be bigger than normal. But this can also happen because of infection. Your doctor may arrange for you to have tests on the lymph nodes.

Biopsy
Ultrasound scan: This test is painless and only takes a few minutes.
Fine needle aspiration (FNA)
Removing a sample of lymph nodes
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB)

How is it treated?

The main treatments for penile cancer include:

Surgery is the main treatment for cancers of the penis that are larger. Depending on their position, small early cancers can be treated with minor surgery.

Wide Local Excision(Organ-Preserving)
Partial Penectomy
Radical Penectomy
Inuginal Lymph Node Dissection (Superficial and Ilioinguinal)

Consult with our experienced Doctors

JNU is home to some of the most eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective arenas and are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary procedures