Overview
Penile cancer is a rare form of cancer that affects the penis and is treatable when caught early. Penile cancer almost always affects men who are not circumcised.
There are various types of penile cancer. About 95 percent of penile cancer cases are squamous cell carcinoma. This cancer often begins underneath the foreskin but can spread to the rest of the penis.
Other types of penile cancer can include sarcoma, melanoma and basal cell carcinoma.
In many cases, men will notice abnormal growth or lumps on the penis. Other symptoms that can indicate penile cancer include:
• Changes in the thickness or color of the skin
• A rash or bumps with the appearance of a scab
• Blue-brown growths on the penis
• A discharge from beneath the foreskin
• A sore on the penis
• Lumps under the skin at the groin
Many of these signs can indicate other conditions, but patients should consult a urologist if any of these issues are noted.
Most cases of penile cancer are diagnosed by physical exam and biopsy. Evaluation of the lymph nodes of the groin by exam and imaging are an important part of the evaluation. Often the lymph node evaluation is done after antibiotic therapy to eliminate false positives caused by infection or inflammation.
Treatment
Treatment for penile cancer depends on many factors including the extent and area of the cancer. Circumcision is a standard treatment for cancer affecting the foreskin. Removal of the tumor and affected areas determine further treatment. The location of the tumor is important in determining the extent of the initial surgical treatment.
A type of surgery sometimes used in penile cancer treatment is Mohs surgery, in which skin is removed layer by layer until all affected tissues are gone. Cryosurgery is used less commonly. This procedure freezes and kills cancerous. Laser surgery and topical chemotherapies may also be used in select cases.
If the cancer has advanced or is likely to spread, more drastic treatments may be necessary such as partial or total penectomy. Surgery to remove lymph nodes from the groin may be required if the cancer has spread.
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are both options for some cases of penile cancer. They can be effective in managing recurrent cancer or cancer that has spread. Both carry severe side effects and risks.