Penile Cancer
Penile cancer occurs when malignant cells in the penis grow out of control and form a tumor.
Symptoms of Penile Cancer
Not all cancers cause visible changes, but penile cancer typically causes the penis to appear unusual. The skin on the penis may become discolored, and patients may notice a lump.
Rash
Small, crusty bumps
A painless lump or sore (that may bleed)
Thickening skin or changing color
Flat growths that appear blue-brown
Foul-smelling fluid underneath the foreskin
Swelling and irritation, especially in the head of the penis (balanitis)
These symptoms may also be caused by less serious conditions like infections and allergic reactions. However, it’s best to have a physician evaluate the penis for signs of early-stage cancer.
Types of Penile Cancer
Most penile cancers are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This type of cancer forms in the top part of the skin layer called the epithelium. Other, less common types of penile cancer include:
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): This type of penile cancer begins in the bottom layer of the epithelium. It is a slow-growing form of penile cancer.
Melanoma: Melanoma begins in cells that control how dark or light the skin appears, called melanocytes. This is a more aggressive form of penile cancer.
Sarcoma: This type of cancer can develop in muscle or connective tissue. It’s an extremely rare form of penile cancer.
Risk Factors for Penile Cancer
The most significant risk factor for developing penile cancer is age. Eight out of 10 cases of penile cancer diagnosed in the U.S. are in patients 55 or older. Additional risk factors include:
- Phimosis: Phimosis is a condition that causes the foreskin to become so tight that you can’t retract it (pull it back) to access the head of the penis. Phimosis is rare in uncircumcised adults but common in uncircumcised infants. The condition may last into adulthood, increasing the risk of infection and inflammation beneath the foreskin. Both may increase the risk of penile cancer.
- HPV: High-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus, have been found in patients diagnosed with penile cancer.
- HIV: Patients with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) are more likely to have HIV.
- Other factors: Tobacco use, PUVA treatment, lichen sclerosus, and poor hygiene can also increase the risk of penile cancer.
Diagnosing Penile Cancer
Patients experiencing symptoms of penile cancer will undergo a physical exam to look for unusual skin changes, such as discoloration or lumps. The physician will also ask questions about the patient’s medical history, symptoms, habits, and lifestyle.
A biopsy and imaging tests like CT, MRI, ultrasound, and PET may be done to diagnose penile cancer and determine its spread.
Treatment Options for Penile Cancer
Patients diagnosed with penile cancer may be treated with one or more of the following:
- Medicated creams
- Circumcision to remove cancer located on the foreskin
- Laser ablation
- Cryotherapy
- Mohs surgery
- Excision
- Radiation therapy
