Are there any changes in your genital area? Should we be aware of penile cancer?

Has the skin on your penis changed color? Or have you noticed something like a small lump or sore? Sometimes these can be a simple infection, but they can also be a sign of something serious like penile cancer . So, it's best to know what to do and not panic. Today, let's talk about penile cancer, as simple as talking to a friend.

What is penile cancer? Simply put...

Simply put, penile cancer is when healthy cells in your penis change and start to grow out of control. As you know, the penis is an important part of the male reproductive system. It is where urine comes out and sexual intercourse takes place. There are several main parts of the penis:

• Shaft: This is the rod-like part that extends from your lower abdomen to the tip of your penis.
• The glans penis (or head): This is the tip of the penis.
• Foreskin: If you are uncircumcised, this is the skin covering the glans penis. If you are circumcised, the glans penis is exposed.

Cancer can develop anywhere on the penis, but it most often starts on the glans penis or foreskin (in uncircumcised men) .

The most important thing is that, like other cancers, penile cancer is more likely to be treated and cured if detected early . If you notice anything unusual or different, don't be ashamed or afraid to tell a doctor right away. Early detection is the best way to save a life.

What are the types of penile cancer?

There are several types of penile cancer. Let's look at the most common ones in order of appearance:

• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): This is the most common type (95% of cases) . It develops in the cells of the outermost layer of the skin (epithelium).
• Melanoma: This starts in the cells that give your skin its color (melanocytes). Melanoma is a more aggressive, fast-spreading type of cancer .
• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): This develops in the cells in the bottom layer of the skin (epithelium). BCC is a slow-growing type of cancer .
• Adenocarcinoma: This starts in glandular cells that produce secretions such as sweat and mucus.
• Urothelial carcinoma: This develops in the tissue (urothelium) that lines the parts of your urinary system, such as your bladder and kidneys.
• Sarcoma: This forms in the muscle or connective tissue. This is a very rare type of penile cancer .

How common is penile cancer?

In fact, compared to countries like the United States, penile cancer is a very rare cancer.(Less than 1% of cancers in men.) However, it is more common in regions such as Africa, Asia, and South America.

What are the symptoms of penile cancer?

Not all cancers have visible symptoms. But with penile cancer, you'll usually notice some changes in the appearance of your penis. The skin may change color, or a lump may appear.

Here are some symptoms of penile cancer:

• A painless lump or sore (maybe bleeding).
• Flat, blue-brown growths.
• A foul-smelling fluid oozes from under the foreskin.
• Appearing like a rash .
• Thickening of the skin or change in skin color.
• Small, crusty bumps.
• Especially the glans penis is swollen and inflamed (also called balanitis ).

But remember, these symptoms can also be caused by common infections or allergic reactions. But never ignore them . It is wise to see a doctor early and confirm. Then, even if it is cancer, it can be caught at an early stage.

What causes penile cancer?

Cancer occurs when healthy cells change and start to multiply uncontrollably. But researchers still don't know exactly what causes this change to begin.

Although the exact causes have not been discovered, several risk factors have been identified that may influence this.

Risk factors

A risk factor does not necessarily mean that it will cause cancer, but it does mean that it can increase the chance of developing cancer. Let's take a look at what these risk factors for penile cancer are:

• Over 55 years of age: 80% of penile cancer cases reported in the United States are in this age group.
• Not being circumcised: Circumcision removes the foreskin of the penis, leaving the glans penis exposed. Many of the risk factors for penile cancer are thought to be related to the presence of the foreskin.
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection: High-risk strains of the same HPV virus that causes cervical cancer have also been found in men with penile cancer.
• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection: Although the exact cause is not clear, penile cancer is more common among men infected with HIV.
• Lichen Sclerosus (LS): This is an inflammatory condition that can cause pain, itching, and inflammation of the glans penis or foreskin.
• Phimosis: In this condition, the foreskin becomes tight and the glans penis cannot be retracted.
• Poor hygiene: Smegma can develop if the penis is not washed regularly and thoroughly.What is called can be added. The inflammation and swelling that this causes can increase the risk of cancer. (Sembryony is a white substance made up of oil, dead skin cells, and moisture that accumulates under the foreskin.)
• PUVA therapy: PUVA stands for "Psoralen and Ultraviolet A photochemotherapy." This is a radiation treatment for the skin disease psoriasis .
• Tobacco use: Smoking and chewing tobacco reduce the body's ability to fight infections. This increases the risk of cancer. The substances in tobacco can damage cells and cause changes that can lead to cancer.

How is penile cancer diagnosed?

When you see a doctor, he or she may do the following:

• Physical Exam: The doctor will examine you and check for any unusual skin changes, lumps, or discoloration on your penis. He will also ask about your symptoms, habits, and previous medical conditions.
• Imaging tests: These tests may be needed to see if the cancer has spread. Depending on the type of cancer, your doctor may order a CT scan, MRI scan, ultrasound, PET scan, or chest X-ray .
• Tissue biopsy: This is the only way to confirm for sure whether you have cancer. In this, the doctor takes a sample of suspicious cells or tissue, and a pathologist examines the cells under a microscope to see if there are any signs of cancer.

How is penile cancer treated?

Treatment depends on the size of the tumor, whether it has spread, and the likelihood of the cancer coming back (recurring). Your treatment may involve a team of doctors that includes your primary care physician (PCP), a cancer specialist (oncologist), a urologist, a radiation oncologist, and a dermatologist.

For early-stage cancer, your doctor may recommend one or more of these treatments:

• Circumcision: If the cancer is only in the foreskin, that tissue can be removed.
• Cryotherapy: A method of destroying the tumor using extreme cold.
• Excision: The doctor cuts out the cancer cells or tumor from the penis.
• Laser ablation: Laser rays are used to create intense heat and destroy the tumor.
• Medicated creams: These are creams that you need to apply to the penis regularly. The most commonly used medications are fluorouracil and imiquimod .
• Mohs surgery:In this, the doctor removes cancerous skin layer by layer, until he reaches the healthy tissue underneath.
• Radiation therapy: The doctor may use powerful rays, such as X-rays, to destroy cancer cells or to shrink the tumor before surgery.

If the cancer has spread a little, the doctor may recommend the following:

• Lymphadenectomy: If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes (often in the groin area), the doctor may remove them.
• Penectomy: In a partial penectomy, part of the penis is removed. In a total penectomy , the entire penis is removed. If the entire penis is removed, the surgeon will make an opening in your abdomen or the area between your anus and scrotum (the perineum) so that you can urinate.

The doctor may use radiation therapy, chemotherapy , or both before or after surgery.

If the cancer has spread beyond your abdomen, chemotherapy or other drugs (systemic treatment) are the main treatment.

What can I expect if this is the case?

Your recovery and treatment plan depend on these factors:

• Stage of cancer.
• The location and size of the tumor.
• Whether the cancer is newly diagnosed or has recurred.

Just think, if cancer is detected early, it has a much higher chance of being treated and cured . If it is detected late, it has a higher chance of spreading beyond the penis. At that point, penile cancer becomes much more difficult to treat.

How to reduce the risk of penile cancer?

Consider these things to reduce your risk of penile cancer:

• Do not use tobacco products.
• Get the HPV vaccine.
• Get treatment for phimosis .
• Maintain good penile health (that means cleaning it thoroughly every day).
• Practice safe sex to reduce the risk of HPV infection.
• Consider the benefits of circumcision. You should consider the medical benefits of circumcision, along with things like religious beliefs, cultural preferences, and personal preferences. Talk to your doctor to decide what is the best option for you or your newborn baby.

How do I take care of myself?

Talk to your doctor about how your cancer diagnosis and treatment plan will affect your daily life. Many cancer treatments preserve the tissue of the penis. This means that after treatment, your penis will heal and look the same as before, or very similar. You will be able to urinate while standing. You will be able to have sex, have intercourse, and even orgasm.

However, surgery to remove part or all of the penis may change the way you urinate and your sexual experience.

Penile cancer and its treatment can affect you in many ways. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for different situations. Talk openly with your doctor about any concerns you may have.

When should I see my doctor?

If you develop new symptoms, if existing symptoms change, or if they get worse, tell your doctor right away. He or she can help determine if the cause is cancer.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

If you have penile cancer, here are some questions you can ask your doctor:

• What stage is my cancer in?
• Do you think it's a good idea to get a second opinion?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• What are the potential benefits/risks associated with this treatment?
• What should I expect during the recovery period?
• What changes should I expect in my lifestyle after treatment?
• Which specialists should I see for treatment?
• What are the chances that my cancer will come back after treatment?

Finally, remember this (Take-Home Message)

Being diagnosed with penile cancer can be a life-changing event. It's normal to feel a lot of emotions and uncertainty at once. It's important to take care of yourself and not panic at this time. Talk to your doctor. He or she can discuss your treatment options, as well as where you can get the practical and emotional support you need. Trust your medical team and your loved ones. Remember, you are not alone in this fight.

` Penile Cancer, Men's Health, Cancer Symptoms, Cancer Treatment, HPV, Circumcision