Understanding Penile Cancer: Early Detection and Surgical Treatment
Authored by:
Dr Gaurav Aggarwal (Uro-oncologist and Robotic Surgeon)
This might not have been the most talked-about disease, as it’s rare, and the probability of occurrence can be life-threatening for a man. If you’ve been wondering, I am here to discuss a condition called penile cancer. It usually affects the tissues and skin around the penis. Not to forget, those suffering from this are mentally, emotionally and psychologically affected. It’s advisable not to dismiss any unusual signs or symptoms given by your body and always seek medical help before the problem escalates.
Here, the only motive is to initiate discussion and make people aware of penile cancer so that no one suffers silently and is afraid to seek medical help. From learning about symptoms to their treatment, we will cover most of it. Consulting the right doctor, in this case, would be a specialist uro-oncologist, Dr. Gaurav Aggarwal, who holds good experience in this field and is located in Kolkata.
What is Penile Cancer?
Penile cancer is a cancerous growth that develops in the tissues of the penis. Squamous cell carcinoma (which typically begins on the foreskin or glans of the penis) is the most prevalent type. Even though the disease is uncommon (less than 1% of male cancers), it advances rapidly if not addressed in its early stages.
Risk Factors Include:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Poor hygiene, especially in uncircumcised men
- Smoking
- Chronic inflammation or irritation
- History of phimosis (inability to retract the foreskin)
- Old age (typically over 60)
Understanding the Symptoms
Most of the symptoms of penile cancer might be ignored, as they are painless and hence don’t grab immediate attention. It’s always advised to follow self-examination processes and avoid any delay in starting the diagnosis.
Common Symptoms Include:
Some commonly found symptoms of penile cancer include the following:
- You are experiencing a sudden growth or sore in the penis that’s unusual
- Commonly seeing dark red rashes in that area
- Also, thinking of the skin might be observed
- Experiencing constant itching and burning sensations in the penis can be serious.
- Bleeding and pain in the affected area
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make sure not to take it lightly and consult a doctor immediately
Importance of Early Detection
As with most cancers, penile cancer is curable if diagnosed early. Early cancers can be confined to the skin surface of the penis and can often be managed with local excision or lesser methods and still preserve both function and appearance.
Benefits of Early Diagnosis:
- When diagnosed early, treatment can be initiated and might be less aggressive than what could have happened if diagnosed at a later stage
- Early diagnoses have higher chances of preserving the penis.
- It has been observed that the earlier the diagnosis, the higher the chances of complete recovery of the person, and it is less life-threatening.
- Less complicated treatments often result in shorter hospital stays.
Delay in diagnosis often results in aggravated diseases, which result in complicated surgeries, medication and result in life-threatening situations.
Surgical Treatment Options
The most frequent and effective treatment of penile cancer is surgery, especially when the tumour is deeper than the superficial tissues or if the involved lymph nodes are involved. Resection of the cancer, while preserving as much of the penis and function as possible, is the goal.
Key Surgical Options Include:
- Circumcision: This procedure includes removing the foreskin from the area where cancer is detected. It’s minimally invasive, and the recovery time is short
- Wide Local Excision: This involves removing the tumour along with some healthy tissue surrounding it to ensure complete removal. It is suitable for small, superficial cancers.
- Glansectomy: This surgery is performed only when the head of the penis is affected. It is often followed by reconstructive surgery using skin grafts.
- Partial Penectomy: In cases where the tumour has invaded deeper but not very much, some of the penile shaft is excised surgically. The surgeons attempt to spare sufficient length to allow standing urination and some sexual function. It is a trade-off between cancer removal and quality of life.
- Total Penectomy: If the cancer is widespread or engulfing the penis, it must be excised entirely. A perineal urethrostomy (new urethral opening between the anus and scrotum) allows for urination. Although life-altering, this surgery is typically life-saving.
- Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection: If the cancer has invaded lymph nodes in the groin area, this procedure is used to remove the involved nodes to stop the spread of the cancer. It can be performed at the same time as penile surgery or as a separate procedure. It is useful in staging the cancer and in planning additional treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Gaurav Aggarwal?
Consulting and getting treated by the right doctor is as important as taking medicines. Dr. Gaurav Aggarwal is the best uro-oncologist in Kolkata, specialising in penile cancers.
Why Patients Trust Dr. Aggarwal:
- Expertise in oncological and reconstructive urological surgeries
- Commitment to organ preservation when clinically possible
- Emphasis on minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery
- Patient-first approach with clear communication and empathy
- Comprehensive care from diagnosis to recovery
Conclusion:
Penile cancer is a treatable but serious illness if diagnosed at an early stage. Prompt detection, knowledge of symptoms, and availability of expert surgical intervention can mean the difference between life and death. If you notice any suspicious changes or symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to a specialist.
