Penis Cancer

The penis cancer is the malignant growth in the penis which is the part of the male reproductive system.

This disease is also called the penile cancer. It is less common in the US and UK but more common in the Asian countries.

Causes of Penis Cancer

The exact cause of the penis cancer or the penile cancer is unknown. Generally it is thought that the personal hygiene is the relative cause of the disease. The process of removal of the foreskin is called circumcision.

In men who underwent this procedure the chances of developing the disease are low but in people who did not get circumcised the foreskin is difficult to pull back and cleaning the underneath area becomes problematic. If this cleaning is neglected the risk of developing the penis cancer or penile cancer increases.

Another risk factor of developing the penis cancer or penile cancer is the virus called the human papilloma virus (HPV). This is responsible in causing the penile warts which increase the risk of developing this cancer. Also some skin conditions that affect the penis can go on to develop into cancer if they are left untreated.

Symptom of Penis Cancer

The early sign or symptom of the penis cancer or the penile cancer is the change in the skin color or thickening of the skin of the penis. After the disease advances the symptoms of penis cancer which follow are growth or sore on the penis, especially on the head of the penis called the glans or foreskin. Sometimes the sore may also occur on the shaft of the penis.

There may be a discharge or bleeding from the penis in due course of time as the cancer proceeds. Pain is not a seldom sign of penis cancer. It should be noted that this penis cancer is only visible when the foreskin is pulled back.

Penis Cancer Treatment

Determining the method of treatment option totally depends on the stage of the cancer which includes the location of the tumor and how much it has spread.

The standard methods of penis cancer treatment include the surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The surgery is best suited in case where the tumor is small and easily can be removed surgically. This is in generally implemented in the initial stages of penis cancer. The surgery performed for this purpose is termed as partial penectomy.

In advanced cases of the penis cancer where there are severe tumors an extensive surgery is performed which removes the entire penis leaving behind an outlet in the groin to pass urine. This process is the urethrostomy.

The other methods of treatment the chemotherapy and the radiation therapy are often used in combination with the surgery either single or both depending on the stage and requirement.

Penis Cancer Prevention

Maintaining a good personal hygiene involving proper cleaning beneath the foreskin is a good preventive measure of penis cancer. It is important for people who feel they are at high risk of developing the disease that they undergo circumcision as this may decrease the risk.

Safer sexual practices, such as abstinence and restricting the number of sexual partners and the use of condoms during sex helps preventing genital herpes infection and thereby helps in decreasing the risk of developing penis cancer.