Penile cancer is cancer that attacks the skin and tissues of the penis. Although rare, it is important to know the symptoms of penile cancer so that it can be detected early. That way, the right treatment can be done and the chances of recovery will be greater.
Penile cancer occurs when cells in a man's penis grow uncontrollably. Most penile cancers attack the foreskin or the skin that covers the penis. Although rare, penile cancer cannot be left alone, because it can spread to other parts of the body, including organs and lymph nodes.
However, not a few cases of penile cancer are detected late, because sufferers feel ashamed or afraid to see a doctor. In fact, the delay in the diagnosis process can reduce the chances of the sufferer to recover.
Therefore, you need to know the symptoms and prevent the occurrence of penile cancer early on.
Types of Penile Cancer
The most common types of penile cancer are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma (epidermoid), which is cancer that usually appears under the foreskin.
- Sarcomas, which are cancers that form in tissues, such as blood vessels, muscles, and fat.
- Melanoma, which is cancer that starts in the cells that give skin its color.
- Basal cell carcinoma, which is cancer deep in the skin, grows slowly, and doesn't usually spread to other areas of the body.
Penis Cancer Symptoms
Early detection can prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body and speed up the treatment process. Therefore, there are some symptoms of penile cancer that you need to know, including:
- Sores in the penis area that don't heal after 4 weeks
- A rash appears on the penis
- Bleeding from the penis or under the foreskin
- Discharge from the penis that smells bad
- Thickening of the skin of the penis or foreskin that makes it difficult to retract the foreskin (phimosis)
- Changes in the color of the skin of the penis
In addition, penile cancer can also be characterized by a lump under the skin in the groin area, fatigue, abdominal pain, and drastic weight loss.
However, some of the above symptoms do not always indicate penile cancer. You are advised to consult a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms above so that the cause can be determined and treated appropriately.
The doctor will perform a physical examination and recommend several tests such as a biopsy and imaging tests, including X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The sooner the diagnosis is made, the greater the chance for penile cancer sufferers to recover.
Some Factors That Increase Penis Cancer Risk
Until now, the cause of penile cancer is not known with certainty. However, there are several conditions that can increase the risk of developing penile cancer, including:
- Over 60 years old
- Haven't had a circumcision procedure yet
- Have a smoking habit
- Suffering from human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Have a weak immune system, for example people with HIV or AIDS
- Has psoriasis and is on treatment with psoralen and ultraviolet (UV) light
In addition to the above conditions, penile cancer can also be suffered by those who do not maintain body hygiene and live in areas with poor sanitation.
In order to prevent penile cancer, you are advised to do circumcision. Circumcision is the surgical removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis or foreskin. If the foreskin has been lifted, you will find it easier to clean the penis area.
However, if you are uncircumcised or uncircumcised, be sure to clean the underside of the penis carefully and thoroughly to remove all the dirt. In addition, always practice safe sex to prevent HPV and HIV infection.
If you experience any of the symptoms of penile cancer as mentioned above, consult a doctor so that the appropriate examination and treatment can be carried out.
