Penile Cancer Treatment in Delhi & Gurgaon
Understanding Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Penile Cancer
Illustration showing penile anatomy and cancer development
What is Penile Cancer?
Penile cancer develops when healthy cells in your penis change and grow out of control. Your penis is a rod-shaped reproductive organ that allows you to pee and have sex.
Cancer can form anywhere in your penis, but it most commonly starts on the head or foreskin (if you're uncircumcised).
How common is penile cancer? Penile cancer is rare in the United States, making up less than 1% of cancers among males. The condition is more common in Africa, Asia and South America.
Types of penile cancer
Some types of penile cancer, listed from most to least common:
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Forms in top part of skin layer. Makes up 95% of all penile cancers.
Melanoma
Begins in melanocytes. More aggressive form of cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Begins in bottom layer of epithelium. Slow-growing form.
Adenocarcinoma
Starts in glandular cells (make sweat, mucus, fluids).
Urothelial carcinoma
Forms in tissue lining urinary system.
Sarcoma
Develops in muscle or connective tissue. Extremely rare.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of penile cancer?
Not all cancers cause changes you can see. But penile cancer usually causes your penis to look different. The skin on your penis may become discolored, and you may notice a lump.
Penile cancer symptoms include:
- A painless lump or sore (that may bleed)
- Flat growths that look blueish-brown
- Foul-smelling fluid underneath foreskin
- Rash
- Skin thickening or changing skin color
- Small, crusty bumps
- Swelling and irritation (balanitis)
Less serious conditions like infections and allergic reactions also cause these symptoms. Still, don't leave things to chance. It's better to have a healthcare provider take a look so early-stage cancer doesn't go untreated.
What causes penile cancer?
Cancer happens when healthy cells change and multiply out of control. But researchers don't know what causes that change to begin with. While researchers haven't found causes, they've identified risk factors.
A risk factor doesn't cause penile cancer, but it may increase the possibility.
Diagnosis and Tests
How is penile cancer diagnosed?
A healthcare provider may do the following:
Physical Exam
Examine for unusual skin changes, lumps, discoloration
Imaging Tests
CT, MRI, ultrasound, PET scan, chest X-ray
Tissue Biopsy
Only way to confirm cancer diagnosis
Prevention
How can I reduce my risk of penile cancer?
Important: It's important to consider the medical benefits of circumcision against other deciding factors, like religious beliefs and cultural and individual preferences. Talk through the benefits with your healthcare provider as you think about the best options for yourself or your newborn.
Key Takeaways
Detection & Symptoms
- • Rare in U.S. (less than 1% of male cancers)
- • Usually causes visible skin changes on penis
- • Painless lump or sore is common sign
- • Early detection prevents progression
Prevention & Risk Factors
- • HPV vaccination reduces risk
- • Good hygiene important
- • Avoid tobacco products
- • Consider circumcision benefits