What is penile cancer?

Penile cancer is a rare kind of cancer that occurs in the penis. It usually begins as a growth or sore on the penis that doesn’t heal. According to the best oncologist in Kolkata, the cancerous cells can then spread to nearby tissues and, in advanced cases, to other parts of the body.

What are the symptoms of penile cancer?

As per a cancer doctor in Kolkata, the symptoms of penile cancer may include the following:

1. A lump or growth on the penis that may be firm and painless.
2. Changes in the skin colour or texture of the penis, such as redness, thickening, or scaling.
3. Sores or ulcers on the penis that do not heal.
4. Bleeding from the penis.
5. Foul-smelling discharge from the penis.
6. Pain, discomfort, or itching in the penis.

Causes of penile cancer

There are several risk factors that are known to increase a man’s risk of developing the disease. These include:

1. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause changes to the cells in the penis, increasing the risk of cancer.

2. Poor hygiene: Poor hygiene, particularly failure to properly clean under the foreskin, can increase the risk of developing penile cancer.

3. Age: The risk of penile cancer increases as men get older, with the majority of cases occurring in men over the age of 50.

4. Smoking: Smoking has been linked to a higher risk of penile cancer.

5. Not being circumcised: Men who have not been circumcised have a higher risk of developing penile cancer than those who have.

6. Phimosis: Phimosis is a condition in which your foreskin becomes too tight, making it difficult to retract. This can lead to inflammation and infection, which can increase the risk of penile cancer.

7. Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Other STIs, such as syphilis and HIV, have also been linked to an increased risk of penile cancer.

Treatments for penile cancer

The most common treatments for penile cancer have been listed below by the top medical oncologist in Kolkata.

1. Radiation therapy: It uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancerous cells. It may be used as the primary treatment for smaller tumours or in combination with surgery for larger or more advanced tumours.

2. Chemotherapy: It involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used in combination with surgery and radiation therapy for more advanced or aggressive tumours.

3. Immunotherapy: It is a type of treatment that uses your body’s own immune system to fight against cancer cells. It may be used in combination with other treatments for more advanced or aggressive tumours.

4. Surgery: The primary treatment for penile cancer is usually surgery, which may involve removing part or all of the penis. In some cases, lymph nodes in the groin may also need to be removed.