What Do You Know About Penile Cancer?

Penile cancerWhat men must be aware of?

There are a few abnormalities or kind of signs of penile cancer and they are:

  • A painful lump on the penile organ
  • Fading of the skin in the area affected
  • Thickening of either the foreskin or skin of the penis
  • A skin rash

Men who experience these kinds of symptoms, it is very vital that they seek medical advice as early as possible or consult an health expert. Even though, it is not likely that they are attacked by penile cancer and hence it must be thoroughly checked, if the signs extend till three weeks. Paying proper attention to your problem and doing a diagnosis can save you from unwanted harm.

What triggers penile cancer?

Well the exact cause of penile cancer is not yet known and there are a few things, which could increase the chances of mounting it.

  1. The primary cause of penile cancer is excessive smoking. This not only is harmful but causes many other types of cancers too. The time when you take a puff, you breathe in harmful chemicals and materials, which damage the cell’s DNA. However, the carcinogens too attack the cells in the penis that further show its way to penile cancer. Smoking makes it tough for the body to deal with an HPV infection. This triggers genital warts and is seen at a higher risk of developing with penile cancer.
  2. Age has a lot to do with this disorder. This mostly affects men above the age of 50-60 when the body processes slow due to less physical activity and so on.
  3. Infected with AIDS increases the chances of penile cancer in men and it are even believed that the lower immune system in people is the risk factor for this.

Types

  1. The very common type is the squamous cell penile cancer where maximum percentage of such cases begins in the cells, which cover the external of the penile organ.
  2. Carcinoma in Situ is linked to squamous cell cancer. This takes place when the cancer cells do not spread any deeper than the skin of the penis. There is no need to worry as this type of cancer can be left untreated too.
  3. There are around 5 to 10 percent cases of Adenocarcinoma across the globe and this begins in the glandular cells of the penile organ, which further produces sweat in that area.

Diagnosis

Your medical practitioner can examine you for any signs of penile cancer and might refer you to a surgeon or specialist. He or she might ask you any symptoms that you experience. A biopsy may be needed or the doctor might operate you to remove the tissues in order to study it.

There are a few treatments and prevention measures, which can be borne in mind to avoid penile cancer too.

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