Identifying penile cancer
PENILE cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the penis. While it is considered a rare cancer in developed nations, Urologist Dr Richard Mayhew at the Winchester Surgical and Medical Centre said it is seen often enough in Jamaica.
Penile cancer — which might begin as a blister on the foreskin, head or shaft of the penis and then becomes a wart-like growth that discharges watery pus — can be caused from poor hygiene or from the human papillomavirus (HPV), Dr Mayhew said.
While all men with the HPV may not develop penile cancer, they are at a greater risk than men who do not have it. However, Dr Mayhew said there is no test for HPV in men so the cancer would be identified after check-ups by the general practitioner or urologist.
Another risk factor for penile cancer includes non-circumcision, as circumcision may help prevent infection with the HPV. A circumcision is an operation in which the doctor removes part or all of the foreskin from the penis. Many boys are circumcised shortly after birth and many men who were not circumcised at birth may have a higher risk of developing penile cancer.
Other risk factors for penile cancer is being age 60 or older; having phimosis (a condition in which the foreskin of the penis cannot be pulled back over the glans); having many sexual partners; and using tobacco products.
Possible signs of penile cancer include sores, discharge, and bleeding. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms, therefore, it is advised that you check with your doctor as soon as you notice any of these.
Other signs include redness, irritation, or a sore or lump on the penis.
Dr Mayhew said treatment will vary and depending on what that treatment involves, men may still be fertile.
“What you may do depends on the degree of the cancer. So it depends on what the situation is and how advanced it is,” he said.
