Penile cancer

What is penile cancer?

Penile cancer (also called carcinoma of the penis) describes a malignant cell change as well as proliferation involving the region of the penis. Such changes most often affect the glans or the foreskin. In general, penile cancer is a rare cancer and the majority of the tumors are squamous cell carcinomas. Nevertheless, black and white skin cancer, lymphoma or adenocarcinoma may also arise on the penis. By means of a tumor biopsy, the precise cell type of the tumor can be determined.

Causes and symptoms

A key risk factor driving the formation of penile cancer is poor body hygiene. Moreover, infection with human papilloma viruses (HPV) are associated with an increased risk, however it can be averted with early vaccination against the virus. Further causes include smoking, narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis) or pre-existing skin lesions like Bowen's disease or leukoplakia. The first signs of malignant processes affecting the penis are indurations or reddening of the skin and also swollen lymph nodes in the groin may be detected.

How is penile cancer diagnosed?

The initial diagnosis is usually clinical, meaning your physician will carry out a physical examination that reveals a suspected diagnosis of penile carcinoma. At this point, major emphasis lies on ruling out other possible diagnoses, including sexually transmitted diseases or benign skin lesions. Ultrasound examination can be further used to assess to what extent the tumor has infiltrated the adjacent tissues. And is primarily carried out if also a swelling of the lymph nodes accompanies the skin lesion. For a precise evaluation of the tumor depth and cell type, a biopsy will become necessary. This involves removing a small piece of the affected skin and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. During the course of diagnosis, a CT scan may also become essential, depending on the severity of the disease.

Therapy of penile cancer

The therapy of penile cancer is heavily influenced by the tumor grade and the penis length of the affected person. If the length of the penis is sufficient, surgical excision of only the affected portion with a safety margin is performed, leaving behind the healthy portion of the penis. This approach is preferable as urine can still pass through the penis. In case the tumor is too large or the penis length is insufficient, the entire penis must be removed and urine outflow needs to be directed through the perineum of the affected person. In the event that lymph nodes have already been infiltrated by tumor cells, they will also be surgically removed. Should the cancer be even further advanced and metastases are present in other regions of the body, additional chemotherapy is usually started.

Chances of cure and prognosis

Surgery is generally the treatment of choice when penile cancer is diagnosed. If the tumor can be completely removed and no metastases are present in the lymph nodes or other regions of the body, the prognosis is very good. Once infiltration of the regional lymph nodes has occurred, i.e. the lymph nodes in the groin area, the prognosis depends on whether they can be entirely excised. Nevertheless, the precise prognosis always depends on the tumor grade. Especially in case distant metastases are detected, the prognosis is poor despite chemotherapy.

Can penile cancer be prevented?

Body hygiene assumes an major role in the pathogenesis of penile cancer, as previously mentioned. That means regular and thorough genital washing is a powerful way to prevent the disease. Circumcised men have a significantly lower risk of developing penile cancer than non-circumcised men. HPV vaccination is an effective way to prevent infection with the virus. Although this vaccination is recommended more often for women and girls for prevention of cervical cancer, men and boys are also recommended to receive it. Use of condoms during sexual intercourse is also advised, because they can also prevent infection with HPV. Regular self-examination of the penis region should also help to recognize skin changes and hardening early on, allowing for rapid medical treatment.

Which doctors and clinics specialize in penile cancer?

If you're in need of a doctor, you strive for the best possible medical care. So of course patients are curious to find out what clinic to go to. As there is no objective way to answer this question and a legitimate doctor would never claim to be the best, patients must rely on a doctor's experience.

Let us help you find an expert for your condition. All listed doctors and clinics have been reviewed by us for their outstanding specialization in penile cancer and are looking forward to your inquiry or request for treatment.