Are You At A Risk Of Getting Penile Cancer?

Penile cancer is one of the most common genitourinary cancer encountered in developing countries compared to the western population. It is the disease that is characterized by the development of malignant cells in the tissue of the penis. Cancer may eventually spread to other areas of the body, including the glands, other organs, and lymph nodes.

Patients with carcinoma of penis tend to delay seeking medical attention due to embarrassment, guilt, and personal neglect and try to treat themselves with various skin creams and lotions which result in delayed diagnosis of the disease. The early diagnosis and treatment of the disease are very crucial as it provides a good chance for successful treatment and cure.

RISK FACTORS FOR PENILE CANCER

The factors which put men at higher risk of developing penile cancer are

1. HPV – HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS

HPV is a group related viruses that are responsible for more than one-third of penile cancer cases. The most common way of contracting HPV is trough sexual activity with infected person. Circumcision may help prevent infection with HPV. Circumcision is a procedure in which the part or all of the foreskin is removed from the penis.

2. PHIMOSIS

Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin becomes tight and difficult to retract in men who are not circumcised. Penile cancer is more common in men with phimosis due to the inflammation that results from the condition.

3. SMEGMA

Smegma is secretion that gets build-up  underneath the foreskin. This is caused by dead skin cells, bacteria, and oily secretions from the skin that may contain small amounts of the cancer-causing substance.

4. AGE

The risk of penile cancer increases with age and is more common in men above the age group of 60 years.

5.  SMOKING AND TOBACCO USE

Men who smoke and use tobacco are at higher risk of contracting the disease. Tobacco users who have HPV infection have an even higher risk. 

SYMPTOMS OF PENILE CANCER

The below-mentioned symptoms can be noticed in men suffering from penile cancer

1.     Changes in skin color of the penis

2.     Thickening of the skin on the penis

3.     Blood coming from the tip of the penis

4.     Discharge with a foul odor

5.     Growth of small crusty bumps beneath the foreskin

6.     Irregular swelling at the end of the penis

For timely diagnosis and effective treatment of penile cancer visit  South India Institute for Urology and Transplant (SIIUT). One of the leading and trusted urology hospital in Chennai.

Visit Us: siiut.com

Blog reviewed by: Dr.Muthu Veeramani 

Mail Us: urologyhospital123@gmail.com 

Book an appointment: https://www.siiut.com/book-appointment/