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The Hidden Danger of Penile Cancer: Why You Should Pay Attention to Early Symptoms?
Penis cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the skin or tissue of the penis. Although this cancer is relatively rare, its potential risks cannot be ignored. According to 2020 data, 36,000 men were diagnosed with penile cancer, resulting in 13,000 deaths. Early recognition of symptoms is crucial, as early treatment often improves cure rates.
Early symptoms of penile cancer include unusual growths, sores or wounds on the skin, and bleeding or a foul-smelling discharge.
Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms of penile cancer may appear as redness, swelling, and irritation, often accompanied by thickening of the skin on the head of the penis or inside the foreskin. These lesions may appear ulcerated, grow outward (exophytic), or resemble “finger-like” (papillary) growths. Also, the patient may experience penile discharge, difficulty urinating, or a burning sensation.
Risk Factors
Infection factors
Studies indicate that HIV-positive men have eight times the risk of developing penile cancer as HIV-negative men. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is also a major risk factor for penile cancer, causing about 40% of penile cancer cases each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
About 50% of men with penile cancer also have genital warts, and the presence of genital warts increases the risk of developing invasive penile cancer in the future.
Health and Injury
Bad hygiene habits can easily increase the risk of penile cancer. For example, deposits of dirt under the foreskin (smegma) may cause frequent irritation and inflammation. Additionally, a condition in which the foreskin cannot be fully retracted (phimosis) is considered a significant risk factor for developing penile cancer.
Pathology and Diagnosis
The development of penile cancer often begins with precursor lesions, which progress from low grade to high grade. For example, HPV-related penile cancer begins as squamous cell hyperplasia and progresses through different stages to invasive cancer.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for penile cancer vary depending on the clinical stage of the disease. The main treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and biological therapy. Common surgical methods include local excision, microsurgery and laser surgery.
Prognosis and epidemiology
The five-year survival rate for penile cancer is approximately 50%, which also shows the importance of early diagnosis for prognosis. Although penile cancer is relatively uncommon in developed countries, it has a higher incidence in developing countries, highlighting the importance of health education and hygienic habits.
As awareness of penile cancer increases, health awareness, early screening, and control of risk factors become more important. Have you ever thought about how healthy living habits affect our risks?
