Penile Cancer
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Bautista
Our Editorial Policy
Updated on: November 21, 2019
About Penile Cancer
Penile cancer refers to any cancer affecting the erectile tissue. The penis features a variety of different types of cells that may become cancerous. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form, comprising about 95 percent of all penile cancers. Squamous cells are the flat cells that make up the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma can occur in any part of the penis, though it more commonly starts on the foreskin or glans.
Other types of penile cancer include:
- Melanoma
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Sarcoma
- Adenocarcinoma
Causes and Risk Factors
As with all other forms of cancer, penile cancer is caused by a genetic mutation of cells that allows them to grow out of control. That unregulated growth results in the formation of tumors and may eventually spread to other parts of the body (metastases).
Doctors still are not sure what specifically causes the genetic mutation at the root of all cancers. Scientists have identified some risk factors for penile cancer. Infection with certain types of human papillomavirus infection (HPV infection) may be a risk factor for penile cancer. Doctors have identified the HPV infection in about half of all penile cancer patients. Not being circumcised may also contribute to an increased risk of clinical penile cancer, though the exact reason for this is not clear. Tobacco use, including smoking and smokeless forms, may also contribute to penile cancer disease.
Age may also play a role. Penile cancer is generally more common in older men. About four out of five cases of penile cancer occur in men over the age of 55.
Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging
Signs and symptoms of penile cancer usually involve changes to the skin on the penis. This may include:
- Skin becoming thicker or changing color
- A lump
- A sore (ulcer) that may bleed
- Small, crusted bumps
- A rash that appears red and velvety
- Flat, bluish-brown growths
- Discharge or bleeding under the foreskin
- Swollen tissue
Some of these symptoms are also characteristic of bacterial and fungal infections such as the HPV infection or genital warts, which is why you should see your doctor for a complete diagnosis.
Diagnosing a penile cancer patient starts with a physical exam to evaluate any lumps or sores on the penis. If symptoms suggest that you may have penile cancer, the doctor may proceed to imaging tests to determine the size and extent of any tumors or swelling of erectile tissue. The doctor may also take a biopsy, which offers a conclusive diagnosis for the patient.
If you do have penile cancer, the doctor will proceed to the staging phase. Staging allows the doctor to determine how much cancer is in the body and helps in the development of a treatment plan. Staging for penile cancer uses the TNM system along with the typical 0 to IV stages. The higher the stage, the more the cancer has spread to other parts of the body or the more metastatic.
About Alternative Treatment of Penile Cancer
Surgery is the main treatment of penile cancer, but this may also be combined with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and local treatments. While these may be effective, they can leave you and your immune system weak while preventing you from living your life to its fullest.
Alternative therapy and natural treatment of penile cancer can address your penile cancer and help you heal without the negative side effects. Immunity Therapy Center is dedicated to providing you with a completely customized treatment plan using only natural and alternative therapy. Our personnel work with you to learn more about your life, address your concerns, and support you through every step of the process. Contact us today to learn more and to get your own custom treatment plan.
Souces:
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/penile-cancer/about/what-is-penile-cancer.html
- https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/penile-cancer
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.
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