Penile cancer

Risk factors

• Chronic inflammatory diseases of the glans penis and foreskin.

• Phimosis is a narrowing of the foreskin of the penis, which does not allow exposing the glans penis.

• Keir's erythroplasia is redness on the glans penis or foreskin

• Boven's disease – plaques on the glans penis.

• HPV (human papillomavirus) 6,11,16 and 18 types.

• Smoking.

• Non-observance of personal hygiene rules.

Signs and symptoms of penile cancer

In the early stages, the main sign that may indicate the presence of the disease is a small reddish spot on the glans penis (erythema). Redness doesn't bother, it doesn't hurt, and men often ignore it instead of sounding the alarm.

If bumps or bumps appear on the head of the penis, this may indicate that the disease is progressing. In addition to the visible symptoms, there are also painful sensations: bleeding, itching. In the later stages, the inguinal lymph nodes increase, there is discomfort when urinating, and there may be discharge with an admixture of pus.

As soon as the first signs of cancer are noticed, you should immediately consult a urologist and undergo diagnostic tests. Early stages of penile cancer are easily and quickly treated.

Stages of penile cancer

Stage 1: the tumor affects the skin, but does not germinate further.

Stage 2: the tumor grows into the internal structure of the penis – the cavernous and cavernous body.

stage 3 – the tumor affects the urethra, sometimes the prostate gland.

stage 4 – the tumor affects neighboring organs, gives metastases.

Diagnosis of penile cancer

To diagnose the disease, a biopsy of the affected area, a general blood test, a general urine test, blood tests for cancer markers, and ultrasound of the penis are performed. If necessary, an MRI scan is additionally prescribed to examine the soft tissues of the penis and CT scan to see if there is a risk of metastasis spreading.

After receiving the results of the study, you can determine how far the disease has gone and choose a treatment strategy.

The European Medical Center has its own laboratory, which is very convenient: you can take tests in the morning, they will be ready in the evening and the doctor will draw up a treatment program on the same day.

Penile cancer treatment in EMC

Depending on the stage of the disease and its prevalence, a treatment method is chosen. It can be:

• radiation therapy is radiation exposure to a tumor site. It is used for small tumors.

• surgical treatment – removal of damaged tissues.

• combined treatment: surgical removal of the affected area and radiation.

When the disease has gone far, unfortunately, it is necessary to partially or completely remove the penis. And it becomes a big psychological trauma, which is difficult for a man to come to terms with. Fortunately, thanks to modern technology and the experience of doctors, we can help even in this case by performing penis reconstruction surgery.