OVERVIEW
The penis is the male organ responsible for sexual function and urine evacuation. Penile cancer can arise from the foreskin, head of the penis or the shaft. The most common type of penile cancer is squamous cell carcinoma.
Symptoms
You may experience the following common symptoms:
- Raised lesion on the foreskin/head or shaft
- Penile pain
- Difficulty retracting foreskin in patients who are uncircumcised
Causes
Various risk factors have been identified including: smoking, being uncircumcised, poor hygiene and environmental exposures.
Diagnosis/Evaluation
- What to know before your visit:
- During your visit, your doctor will ask you questions regarding your medical history and will perform an exam with focus on the abdomen, groin, and genitalia
- Other tests that may be performed during or after your visit:
- Blood work
- CT Scan or MRI imaging may be obtained
- A biopsy of lesion may be performed either under local anesthesia in the office or in the operating room.
Treatment
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
Some penile tumors can be managed with topical agents after a biopsy has been performed.
SURGICAL TREATMENT
Most penile tumors will require local excision, which may or may not include circumcision. For low grade or small lesions, local excision, laser therapy, or Mohs surgery may be employed. In patients with large or invasive tumors, partial or total penectomy (partial or total removal of the penis) may be required. Sampling of the lymph nodes in the groin may be required in more advanced cases, which may be performed with open surgery or laparoscopically.
Schedule an appointment with a MidLantic Urology physician near you today!