Penile cancer

What is penile cancer?

A penile tumor is an extremely rare form of malignant cancer. In Switzerland, about 70 men are diagnosed with this condition each year. Cancerous tumors usually develop on the glans and the foreskin. They can spread to your corpora cavernosa and extend all the way to your abdominal wall. In most cases, it is a skin tumor known as squamous cell carcinoma. However, other types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma (white skin cancer) or melanoma (black skin cancer), are also possible. At the time of diagnosis, 40 percent of patients are already 75 years old or older. Penile cancer develops slowly and does not metastasize until it has reached an advanced stage. However, it is often not recognized until it is too late.

There is a link between smegma and penile cancer. Penile cancer is less common among members of religions in which boys are circumcised. In contrast, phimosis—a condition in which the foreskin is too tight, making hygiene difficult—is a risk factor for penile cancer. This also applies to infection with human papillomaviruses and smoking.

Penile cancer: causes and risk factors

The following are considered risk factors:

• Poor hygiene: If sebum (known as smegma) accumulates under your foreskin and you do not remove it regularly, it can lead to chronic inflammation of the penis, which increases the risk of cancer.
• Phimosis: Penile cancer is more common in men born with a tight foreskin. In that case, it cannot be pushed back all the way. This not only makes sexual intercourse more difficult, but also personal hygiene.
• Age: The risk of penile cancer increases with age. Most men develop the disease between the ages of 60 and 70.
• Smoking: In addition to many other types of cancer, nicotine use also increases the risk of penile cancer.
• HPV Infection: Infection with human papillomavirus is a risk factor for penile cancer.
• Recurrent inflammation of the glans and foreskin, e.g., caused by the condition “lichen sclerosus.”
• Genital warts: They are among the most common sexually transmitted diseases and increase the risk of penile cancer.
• UV radiation: For example, as part of treatment for severe skin conditions
• Certain changes in the mucous membranes (e.g., leukoplakia): These are considered precancerous conditions from which penile cancer can develop.

Symptoms: Often inconspicuous at first

Especially in the early stages, the symptoms of penile cancer are not specific. At first, men don’t suspect that a serious illness might be the cause. The following symptoms may indicate a tumor on the penis:

• Changes appear on the glans or foreskin that cause itching, oozing, and inflammation. Later, lumps, hardened areas, or ulcers may form.
• They feel a burning and stinging sensation under the foreskin.
• There is foul-smelling discharge or bleeding from the penis.
• The skin lesions spread, have a cauliflower-like surface, and bleed easily.
• You feel tired, worn out, and are losing weight.
• When penile cancer metastasizes to the lymph nodes, it sometimes causes lymphatic congestion in the legs, causing them to swell.

Penile Cancer: Diagnosis at Our Clinic

The first step is a consultation with us, during which we will ask you detailed questions about your symptoms (medical history). During the physical examination that follows, we will look for changes and abnormalities on your penis. We will also feel your lymph nodes to check if they are swollen. We use a tissue sample to determine whether cancer cells are present.

If penile cancer is indeed present, further tests will be conducted. They determine whether the tumor has metastasized to lymph nodes or other organs. Imaging techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or positron emission tomography (PET/CT or PET/MR) are used.

The earlier the tumor is detected, the better the chances of recovery (70 to 90 percent).

Penile cancer: prevention, early detection, prognosis

You can prevent penile cancer by practicing good hygiene. Wash your penis daily and thoroughly remove the smegma from under the foreskin. If your foreskin is too tight and you can’t pull it back far enough, this can make hygiene more difficult. In that case, you should have us remove the foreskin during a minor surgical procedure called circumcision.

Since infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is a risk factor, vaccination is recommended as early as adolescence.

Early Detection and Prognosis of Penile Cancer

If you notice any changes in the skin or discharge on your penis, please see us as soon as possible. In addition, health insurance companies in Switzerland pay for a cancer screening of the external genital organs and prostate for men aged 45 and over. Take note of these signs, and let us show you how you can examine your penis for abnormalities on your own so that you can detect any changes promptly.

In the case of penile cancer (penile carcinoma), the prognosis depends on when the diagnosis is made; the earlier the tumor is detected and treated appropriately, the better the chances of recovery.

Penile cancer: surgery as first choice treatment

In the case of penile cancer, surgery is the primary treatment method. The earlier treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery. In advanced stages, palliative care may be involved to manage symptoms effectively.