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Male Sexual Dysfunction

Penile Cancer

Penile cancer is a rare malignancy that typically develops on the glans, foreskin, or shaft of the penis. Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for most cases. Early detection significantly improves outcomes.

75%
Success Rate
Weeks to months depending on stage and treatment modality
Duration
Multiple
Treatment Options
3+ Groups
May Affect

What is Penile Cancer?

Penile cancer is a rare malignancy that typically develops on the glans, foreskin, or shaft of the penis. Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for most cases. Early detection significantly improves outcomes.

Prevalence: Rare in developed countries (1 in 100,000); more common in parts of Africa and Asia

Symptoms and Signs

  • Persistent sore, lump, or ulcer on the penis
  • Abnormal discharge or bleeding
  • Thickening or color change of penile skin
  • Foul-smelling discharge under the foreskin
  • Swelling at the tip of the penis
  • Palpable lymph nodes in the groin

Causes and Risk Factors

Common Causes

  • Chronic inflammatory conditions (lichen sclerosus)
  • Smoking and tobacco use
  • Poor hygiene and chronic inflammation
  • Phimosis with chronic smegma retention
  • Immunosuppression
  • Ultraviolet radiation (rare)

Risk Factors

  • ⚠️Uncircumcised status
  • ⚠️Smoking
  • ⚠️Age over 60
  • ⚠️Poor genital hygiene
  • ⚠️Lichen sclerosus
  • ⚠️Phimosis

Treatment Options

Expected Outcomes: Excellent survival with early-stage disease (85-90% 5-year survival); declines significantly with advanced disease

Available Treatments:

  • Surgical excision (local or wide)
  • Partial or total penectomy
  • Laser ablation or cryotherapy
  • Radiation therapy (external or brachytherapy)
  • Chemotherapy (for advanced disease)
  • Topical chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil)
  • Lymph node dissection
  • Immunotherapy for metastatic disease

Prevention Tips

  • Quit smoking
  • Maintain good genital hygiene
  • Circumcision (reduces risk)
  • Regular self-examination
  • Treat lichen sclerosus promptly

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