Penile cancer is also known as cancer of the penis. It develops when healthy cells grow out of control. The symptoms of this cancer like skin changes, rash, lumps, and sores that may bleed. After beginning in the skin, it will spreading to the other body parts fastly. So, don’t ignore these type of warning signs, consult with an experienced urologist for penile cancer treatment. Healthcheckbox partners with India’s top skilled urologist and oncologist, who have years of experience in their field.
Types of Penile Cancer
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Around 90% of penile cancer cases develops by SCC. It forms in the outer layer of your body's skin, such as glans or foreskin. This skin cancer can appear anywhere, but generally often on face, scalp, hands, etc.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): It is one of the common skin cancer that develops on sun-exposed skin. Spreading and growing ratio are slow compared to SCC. BCC of the penis is a rare form of penile cancer.
- Melanoma: Penile melanoma is rare, aggressive form of skin cancer on the penis that arises as a dark and growing spot.
- Adenocarcinoma: Penile adenocarcinoma is rare type of penile cancer that forms in the glandular cells.
- Sarcoma: It is also counted in the rare form of penile cancer. Sarcoma develops in connective tissue of muscle.
Symptoms of Penile Cancer
These are some early signs & symptoms of penile cancer:
- Crusty bump and lump on the penis.
- Reddish rash on the foreskin.
- Swelling
- Thickening
- Sore and bleeding
- Allergies and infections
Stages of Penile Cancer
- Stage 0: In this stage, the cancer form in the top layer of foreskin.
- Stage 1: The cancer growing in to the connective tissue or cells of the penis but it not grow on the blood vessels.
- Stage 2A: In the 2nd stage, grown in to the blood or lymph vessels.
- Stage 2B: Grown in to the urethra and uper chamber of shaft.
- Stage 3A: In stage 3A, cancer spread in to the lymph nodes.
- Stage 3B: In this, the cancer covered more lymph nodes, they are able to move when felt by a doctor.
- Stage 4: In the final stage, cancer spread to lymph nodes or nearby structures of the urethra.
Treatment Procedure for Penile Cancer
We are here to explore the complete procedure of penile cancer treatment:
Diagnosis or Tests for Penile Cancer
Before going to the surgery, doctors suggest some physical tests for taking tissue samples. The test includes:
- MRI
- CT Scan
- Ultrasound
Penile Cancer Treatment Options
- Surgery: The primary treatment for penile cancer is surgery. In the surgery, surgeon remove the cancer cells and preserve healthy cells as possible.
- Radiation Therapy: Generally, it is used in the initial stage of the cancer. This non-invasive treatment is used to destroy the cancerous cells.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a cancer therapy, where anti cancer drugs are used to kill or slow penile cancerous cells. Doctors prescribed this alone and in combination with surgery.
- Immunotherapy: This therapy is use to boost the immune system or target the cancer cells.
Recovery & Post-Treatment Care
After surgery, the patients stay in the hospital for 3-5 days which depends on the patient’s condition. Use temporary urinary catheter for 1-2 weeks, take proper medications or care, and maintain hygiene to reduce the risks that come after surgery. Visit your doctor for routine check ups or medical tests. Avoid physical activity, like intimacy or sexual intercourse, and take a healthy diet.
Success Rate & Prognosis
Usually, the success rate depends on the patient’s health & treatment procedure. In India, the success rate of penile cancer treatment is 80-90%. Factors that should be considered in success rate are:
- Cancer Stage
- Types of graft
- Patient’s health and age
- Aftercare and check-ups