Email this pagePenile Cancer
The penis is the external male genital organ that contains several types of tissue, nerves, smooth muscle and blood vessels. Penile cancer (cancer of the penis) is a rare form of cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, affects about 1 man out of 100,000 in the United States.
Penile cancer occurs when malignant (cancerous) cells are found on the skin and in the tissues of the penis. Over 95% of penile cancers develop from flat, scale-like skin cells called squamous cells.
Types of Penile Cancer
Each tissue in the penis contains several types of cells. Different types of penile cancer can develop in each kind of cell. These types include:
- Squamous cell penile cancer. Squamous cell penile cancers can develop anywhere on the organ, but most develop on the foreskin (in men who have not been circumcised) or on the glans. The earliest stage of this disease is called Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (CIS). Penile CIS grows within the surface layer of the skin of the penis. Depending on the location of the CIS, the disease is referred to by different names. CIS of the glans is sometimes called Erythroplasia of Queyrat and CIS of shaft of the penis is often called Bowen's disease.
- Bushke-Lowenstein tumor (Verrucous carcinoma). An uncommon form of squamous cell cancer that can occur on the genitals, skin, mouth, larynx, and anus. It's often difficult to distinguish this condition from a benign genital wart.<
- Paget's disease (adenocarcinoma). This is a very rare penile cancer that can develop from the sweat glands in the skin of the penis. Cancerous cells spread within the skin and may eventually spread to the lymph nodes.
Risk Factors of Penile Cancer
The causes of penile cancer are not well known. Factors that may increase the risk of this disease include:
- Circumcision. Men who are not circumcised at birth may have a higher risk for getting penile cancer. A circumcision is an operation where the doctor takes away part or all of the foreskin from the head of the penis (or glans).
- Human Papillomavirus Infection (HPV). Certain HPV types can infect the male and female genital organs and the anal area. HPVs are passed from one person to another during sexual contact. Practicing sexual intercourse at an early age, having multiple sexual partners, having sex with a partner who has had multiple other partners, and having unprotected sex (not using a condom) at any age increase a person's risk of getting HPV infection.
- Smoking. Men who smoke are at an increased risk of developing penile cancer.
- Treatment of Psoriasis. Men with the skin condition psoriasis, who have been treated with a combination of the drug psoralen and exposure to ultraviolet light are at an increased for developing penile cancer.
- Smegma. Smegma is a thick, odorous substance made up of oily secretions and dead skin cells collected under the foreskin of the penis. If uncircumcised men do not retract the foreskin and thoroughly wash the entire penis, the presence of smegma may cause irritation and an increased risk for developing penile cancer.
- Phimosis. Phimosis is when the foreskin becomes constricted, or difficult to retract due to the build-up of smegma. As a result, men with phimosis are less likely to clean the penis thoroughly causing an increased risk for developing penile cancer.
- Age. Most cases of penile cancer are diagnosed in men 50 and over.
Common Symptoms of Penile Cancer
- Growths or sores on the penis
- Any unusual liquid coming from the penis (abnormal discharge)
- Bleeding
Diagnosing Penile Cancer
If there are symptoms of cancer, the doctor will examine the penis and feel for any lumps. If the penis doesn't look normal or if the doctor feels any lumps, the doctor may order tests to learn more about the cause of your symptoms. These tests include:
- Biopsy
- Blood test
- Urine test
Treatment Options for Penile Cancer
Your will doctor work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your needs. Treatment options for penile cancer depend on the stage of the disease and the grade of the tumor, how abnormal the cells look and how likely they are to grow or spread.
Did You Know…
Sometimes abnormal growths develop on the penis which are benign (not cancerous). These conditions can resemble warts or irritated patches of skin.
Like penile cancer, they usually develop on the glans or on the foreskin, but they can also occur along the shaft of the penis.
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor.
James P. Wilmot Cancer Center
