Genitourinary Cancer - Penile
What is penile cancer?
The penis contains several types of tissue, including skin, nerves, smooth muscle, and blood vessels. Each tissue type in the penis contains several types of cells. Different types of penile cancer can develop in each kind of cell.
Epidermoid carcinoma: This type of cancer develops in the skin of the penis. Approximately 95% of penile cancers develop from flat skin cells called squamous cells. Squamous cell penile cancers can develop anywhere on the penis but most develop on the foreskin or on the glans. Verrucous carcinoma is an uncommon form of squamous cell cancer that can occur on the male or female genitals, skin, mouth, larynx, and anus. Verrucous carcinoma of the genitals is sometimes called Buschke-Lowenstein tumor. This tumor can resemble a benign genital wart. Generally, they are low-grade tumors that can spread deeply into surrounding tissue, but they rarely spread to other parts of the body. Adenocarcinoma is an extremely rare form of penile cancer that can develop in the sweat glands of the penis. These cells generally spread within the skin but may eventually spread to lymph nodes.
Melanomas: Approximately two percent of penile cancers develop from pigment-producing skin cells called melanocytes. Cancer that originates in these cells are called melanomas. Sun exposure is an important risk factor for melanoma, however, these types of cancers can develop on the penis and other areas that generally do not get sunburned.
Basal cell penile cancer: This group of cancers represents less than two percent of penile cancers. They are generally slow-growing tumors that rarely spread to other parts of the body.
Sarcomas: The remaining one percent of penile cancers are sarcomas. This type of cancer develops from the blood vessels, smooth muscle, and other connective tissue cells.
Benign growths and precancerous growths can also develop on the penis. Some of those benign growths may evolve into invasive cancer if they are not treated. Precancerous conditions can resemble warts or irritated patches of skin. Squamous cancer cells of the penis usually form over many years, and may be preceded by precancerous changes that have lasted for several years.
How many men get penile cancer?
The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 1,500 new cases of penile cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. Penile cancer is extremely rare in North America and Europe, it only accounts for about 0.2% of cancers in men. Regions of Africa and South America often report higher percentages, where up to 10% of cancers in men are diagnosed with this disease.
What causes penile cancer?
Men whose foreskin has remained intact and have not practiced proper hygiene of the area may be more likely to develop cancer of the penis.
Some researchers believe that infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) may be a risk factor in developing penile cancer. The virus is the major cause of cancer of the cervix in women and is thought to be a factor in cancer of the anus in men and women. There are also several strains of sexually transmitted HPVs that have been linked with genital and anal cancer in both men and women.
Smoking may also increase a man’s risk of developing penile cancer. The substances in cigarettes could possibly alter an individual’s DNA and contribute to the development of penile cancer. The risk increases for men who also have HPV infections.
Can penile cancer be prevented?
The drastic variations in penile cancer rates throughout the world suggest that the disease could be preventable. The most effective way for a man to minimize the risk of penile cancer is to avoid risk factors (described in the section on the causes of penile cancer). However, some men who are diagnosed with this disease do not fit into any of the afore mentioned possible causes.
How is penile cancer diagnosed?
In the majority of cases, the first indicators of penile cancer may be a thickening of the skin, changes in color, or a build-up of tissue. Additional signs include painless ulcers or a growth on the penis.
Penile cancer may appear as a reddish, velvety rash, small crusty bumps, or flat growths that are often times bluish-brown in color. Persistent discharge, a foul odor, and swelling of the penis may also be present.
Advanced forms of cancer may cause swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin. Often times, the patient or physician may be able to feel the swollen nodes. The swelling can also be caused by an infection or other benign conditions.
Penile lesions often affect the skin on the surface of the organ. A visual examination of the penis can usually detect cancers and other abnormalities. The physician may order a biopsy to make an accurate diagnosis if the exam reveals something abnormal.
Can penile cancer be diagnosed early?
Many early symptoms of penile cancer cause patients to seek medical attention. Some cancers, however, may not cause any symptoms until they have reached an advanced stage.
Identifying abnormal growths or abnormalities is key to early detection. Even if the symptoms are not a result of cancer, they may be infections or be signs of other serious conditions that may need to be treated.
How is penile cancer treated?
Many inroads have been made in treating penile cancer. New medications and innovative ways of using those medicines have been developed and surgical methods have been refined. Physicians also have more knowledge about their use of radiation. However, treatment will be different for each and every patient.
The primary treatment for penile cancer is surgery. Radiation therapy may also be part of the treatment plan. A multidisciplinary approach is often the best approach for some patients. Discussing treatment options with the physician is the best way to determine what methods are suitable for the patient. Learn more regarding treatment options.