Andrology-Open Access
Open Access

Penile Cancer Characteristics, Signs and Symptoms

Xiao Xu^{* *}Correspondence: Dr. Xiao Xu, Department of Urology and Andrology, China Medical University, Taiwan, China, Email:

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About the Study

Penile cancer is a kind of cancer that begins in the skin and tissues of the penis. Symptoms include abnormal growth, an ulcer or sore on the penile skin, bleeding, and foul-smelling discharge.

Chronic inflammation, smoking, HPV infection, condylomata acuminate, several sexual partners, and sexual intercourse at a young age are all risk factors. Squamous cell carcinomas responsible for over 95% of penile malignancies. Merkel cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, and melanoma are all uncommon kinds of penile cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

Skin thickening on the glans or inner foreskin, or an ulcerative, outward expanding (exophytic) or "finger-like" (papillary) growth can all be signs of penile cancer. Penile cancer may be accompanied with a burning or tingling sensation while peeing (dysuria), as well as bleeding from the penis.

The most prevalent sign of penile cancer is changes in the skin of the penis. They can appear on uncircumcised men's foreskin, the penis tip (the glans), or the shaft.

• Skin thickness or color changes.

• It might show as a rash or little crusty lumps on the penis, comparable to a blister that's never cured.

• Bluish-brown-colored growths.

• Bump on penis.

• Underneath foreskin, a foul-smelling discharge.

• A painful sore on penis that may leak.

• Penis is swollen at the end.

• Groyne has lumps under the skin.

A bacterial or fungal infection, as well as an allergic reaction, might cause the majority of these symptoms. Most of them could benefit from antibacterial and antifungal ointments and lotions. Recurring growths or unhealed wounds, on the other hand, must be assumed to be cancer.

A change in the skin of the penis is generally the first symptom of penile cancer. The glans (tip) of the penis or the foreskin are the most common parts, although it can also occur on the shaft. Another symptom of penile cancer is swelling at the end of the penis, especially when the foreskin is restricted. It could be more difficult to pull the foreskin back.

If the cancer spreads from the penis, it usually starts in the groyne lymph nodes and these lymph nodes may enlarge. Lymph nodes are a cluster of immune system cells. Normally, they are the size of a bean and are hardly detectable. If the lymph nodes are swollen, they may feel like lumps beneath the skin.

Swollen lymph nodes, on the other hand, may not always indicate that cancer has spread there. Lymph nodes typically enlarge in reaction to infection. Even if the cancer hasn't reached the lymph nodes, the skin in and around a penile cancer might get infected, causing them to enlarge.

Penile cancer, unfortunately, is commonly ignored until it has advanced. Patients are hesitant or ashamed to discuss their genitals. Penile treatment or surgery may potentially be a source of fear for them. Body fluids trapped in the foreskin are considered to be the source of penile tumours. If they aren't wiped away on a regular basis, they have the potential to cause cancer. Older men and smokers are more likely to get penile cancer. Penile cancer can be caused to diseases like AIDS.

The Human Papillomavirus is another probable reason (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus. Antibodies to HPV-16 have been found in a substantial percentage of individuals with penile cancer. HPV has earlier proven linked to cervical cancer. If it's discovered early on, there's a strong chance it will be treated successfully and cured. The condition might worsen if diagnosis is delayed. Treatment for metastatic cancer is likely to be unsuccessful and disfiguring.