Penile cancer – causes, symptoms, treatment. Where does it come from and how to fight it?

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Although penile cancer is classified as a rare malignant neoplasm, the incidence of it is increasing. HPV infection, phimosis, chronic inflammation, lack of personal hygiene, smoking – these are the factors that contribute to the disease.

Who is affected by penile cancer?

Penile cancer most often occurs in men over 50 (about 90% of patients). – You need to know that neoplastic processes are more aggressive in younger people than in older people – due to faster metabolism and stronger immune system response – explains Dr. Andrzej Łęcki – urologist. In most cases, this neoplasm is diagnosed in a very advanced form. Why? Most men are ashamed and afraid to see a doctor. According to medical statistics, a year elapses from the first symptoms of the disease to the patient’s appointment to the doctor – It’s a very long time! – emphasizes Dr. Łęcki and adds that five-year survival concerns 64 percent patients. Therefore, if something bothers us, it is better not to postpone the visit to the doctor.

Penile cancer – symptoms

Initially, the disease is asymptomatic. Later, a painless lesion appears in the glans, foreskin, or shaft, in the form of a flat lump, induration, wart, or ulcer with shaft-like edges. Sometimes purulent exudate appears, and the lymph nodes in the groin grow considerably (this applies to 30-60% of patients). A symptom that suggests that the cancer is progressing is pain when urinating. This ailment is the result of infiltration of the lesion on the corpus cavernosum and / or the spongy body.

An experienced urologist has no problems with diagnosing the disease – the diagnosis is made after histopathological tests – material taken from the penis. In over 95 percent. cases are diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (squamous cell carcinoma), which rarely spreads to the lungs, liver, bone, skin and brain.

Penile cancer – risk group

Penile cancer can occur for many reasons. The disease mainly affects men over 55. Smokers and those who do not follow the basic rules of hygiene are sick much more often. Men infected with HPV (human papillomavirus), patients with AIDS and psoriasis are at risk. In the case of the latter, the disease can be caused by radiation, which helps to reduce changes in the skin. Sometimes phimosis is the cause of problems.

Penile cancer – treatment

Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and laser therapy are used to treat penile cancer. The choice of method depends on the advancement of the disease and the results of histopathological examinations. If the neoplastic changes cover only the foreskin – circumcision is performed. Radiotherapy is used only in the early and intermediate stages of the disease. In addition to external irradiation, brachytherapy (a form of radiotherapy) is used.

In the case of significant advancement of the tumor, surgical intervention is necessary. When the lesions are located in the glans itself, the surgeon performs it glansectomy – a procedure involving the partial or complete removal of the glans and leaving the penis. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to partially or completely amputate the organ (partial or total penectomy). Partial amputation is performed so that the man can urinate and maintain at least some sexual function. After partial penectomy, the organ can be reconstructed.

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3. Cancer markers for men – diagnostic tests