PENIS CANCER

 

Penile cancer is a rare condition characterized by the appearance of tumors in the organ or the skin that covers it. This can result in changes in the color and texture of the skin, as well as the appearance of nodules or lesions. Although more common in men over 60 years of age, this type of cancer can also affect young people, especially those who smoke and have inadequate hygiene habits in the genital region.

TYPES

There are different types of penile cancer, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most prevalent, accounting for more than 95% of cases. Within this type, there are subcategories, such as verrucous carcinoma, which resembles a benign genital wart, and carcinoma in situ, which represents the initial stage, where cancer cells are located only in the superficial layer of the skin.

Of course, there are different types of penile cancer, including:

• - Melanoma: Originated in melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation. These tumors tend to grow and spread quickly, being more aggressive than other types of skin cancer.
• - Basal cell carcinoma: Although it represents a small percentage of cases, it can develop in the penis.
• - Adenocarcinoma (Paget's disease of the penis): This is a very rare type of penile cancer that originates from the sweat glands in the skin of the penis. Sometimes it can be challenging to distinguish it from carcinoma in situ.
• - Sarcoma: A small percentage of tumors in the penis develop from blood vessels, muscles or other connective tissue cells, and are called sarcomas.

CAUSES

The specific causes of penile cancer are not yet completely understood, but certain factors may contribute to its development:

• - Smoking: Smoking is associated with a greater risk of developing penile cancer.
• - Inadequate intimate hygiene: Poor hygiene in the genital region can lead to the accumulation of secretions under the foreskin, increasing the risk.
• - HPV virus infection: The human papilloma virus (HPV) is linked to some cases of penile cancer.
• - Lack of circumcision or circumcision performed in adulthood: The absence of circumcision or its performance in adulthood can make adequate hygiene of the organ difficult, favoring the accumulation of secretions.
• - Advanced age: Although it can affect people of all ages, penile cancer is more common in men over 60 years of age.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The main signs and symptoms of penile cancer include:

• - Persistent red sore: A lesion on the skin that does not heal or continues to grow.
• - Lump on the penis, glans or foreskin: A noticeable lump on the genital organ.
• - Skin changes: Thickening or changes in the color of the skin of the penis.
• - Bad-smelling discharge from the urethra: Unusual secretions with an unpleasant odor.
• - Bleeding: Any abnormal bleeding from the penis.
• - White secretion (smegma): Accumulation of white secretion under the foreskin.
• - Swelling at the end of the penis: Abnormal enlargement of the glans.
• - Presence of lumps: Appearance of swollen lumps, especially in the groin area.
• - Pain and swelling in the groin: Painful sensation or swelling in the lymph nodes in the groin.
• - Tumor: Development of abnormal growths on the glans, body of the penis or on the skin covering the head of the member.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of penile cancer is made with:

• - Incisional biopsy: It is the removal of a small sample of tissue from the suspected lesion to differentiate malignant lesions, cancer subtypes, precancerous and benign lesions.
• - Excisional biopsy: In smaller lesions, up to one centimeter, the lesion can be completely removed under general anesthesia for analysis.
• - Fine needle aspiration (FNA): This procedure involves aspiration of a sample of the tumor with a fine needle for analysis.
• - Imaging tests: Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and ultrasound can be performed to assist in diagnosis, identification of the extent of the tumor and possible metastases.
• It is crucial to detect and diagnose penile cancer as early as possible, as this significantly increases the chances of a cure.

TREATMENT

Penile cancer treatment may involve different approaches, depending on the stage of the disease and its extent. Here are some options:

• - Surgery: It can range from a simple excision or circumcision to more extensive procedures, such as partial or total penectomy. There are also less invasive techniques, such as laser resection, cryosurgery (using extreme cold to destroy cancer cells) and Mohs surgery (surgical removal layer by layer, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible).
• - Radiotherapy: It can be used as main therapy or after surgery to eliminate remaining tumor cells.
• - Chemotherapy: Can be administered topically (directly to the affected area) or systemic (orally or intravenously), aiming to destroy cancer cells that may have spread to other areas of the body.
• - Immunotherapy: A newer option that uses the patient's immune system to fight cancer.
• Specific treatment is determined by the stage of the cancer, its location, and other individual patient factors.

IS PENIS CANCER CURE?

Is there a possibility of a cure for penile cancer? The prognosis for penile cancer varies depending on the severity of the tumor. When identified in the early stages, treatment tends to be simpler and the condition more capable of resolution.

However, more severe cases require more complex treatment and have a more guarded prognosis. It is essential to highlight that the progression of penile cancer can be rapid and aggressive. Therefore, it is extremely important to seek medical advice immediately when detecting any suspicious sign on the penis, in order to make an early diagnosis and prevent the disease from progressing.

MYTHS AND TRUTHS RELATED TO PENIS CANCER. LET'S CLARIFY SOME:

Myths:

• 1. Circumcision completely prevents penile cancer: Although circumcision can reduce the risk, it is not a complete guarantee against penile cancer.
• 2. Oral sex causes penile cancer: There is no direct link between oral sex and penile cancer, although infection with certain types of HPV (human papillomavirus) may increase the risk.
• 3. It is not possible to prevent penile cancer: In fact, there are preventive measures such as good hygiene, safe sexual practices and HPV vaccination to prevent certain types of the virus.

Truths:

• 1. HPV increases the risk: HPV is associated with some cases of penile cancer. Avoiding exposure to HPV can help reduce your risk.
• 2. Hygiene is important: Maintaining good hygiene, especially around the foreskin, can decrease the risk of infections that can lead to penile cancer.
• 3. Regular medical appointments are essential: Regular medical exams can help identify signs of penile cancer early, increasing the chances of effective treatment.
• 4. Smoking and other conditions may increase your risk: Certain risk factors, such as smoking and conditions such as phimosis (tightening of the foreskin), may increase the chances of developing penile cancer.
• 5. Early treatment is crucial: The earlier penile cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of effective treatment and recovery.