penile cancer This is a great unknown among the male population. The incidence of this tumor is very low. Only one out of 100,000 men suffer from this type of cancer every year in our country.
But something very surprising happens with this tumor: the figures double. albacite, In this city of just over 170,000 residents, that figure rises to about two men per 100,000 per year, according to the latest World Health Organization report.
Although it’s rare, penile cancer has a good prognosis “if it’s detected at an early stage”, as doctor warns this portal felix guerreroHead of the Uro-Oncology Unit at the ROC Clinic.
Expert says the main risk factor is age.
However, it may appear in the “patient”. multiple sexual partners Because they are at highest risk of being infected with human papillomavirus, which is a carcinogenic virus.”
And while it is not the deadliest cancer, the reluctance of many men to see a urologist may jeopardize the survival of these patients.
“The sooner it’s detected, the better the prognosis…and it could save your life.”
what are your symptoms?
Penile cancer tends to present very early in the form of lesions anywhere in the genital organ, both in the glans penis and prepuce.
“generally, Any new-onset lesion should be reviewed by a specialist” emphasizes Dr. Guerrero.
Healthy patients are also advised to visit a urologist at least once a year.
The first symptoms can include everything from sores to swelling at the base of the penis A discharge under the foreskin.
However, as the disease progresses, there may be pain and bleeding, lumps in the groin, as well as weight loss and difficulty urinating.
Penile Cancer: How is it treated?
“The main treatment for this type of tumor is surgery,” says Dr.
When the cancer is very localized, treatment can be done in carcinoma, which is a premalignant lesion that will lead to disease. Creams and lasers may also be involved, “although surgical intervention is performed in most cases.”
Surgery in which the principles of oncological operation are followed as usual, ie the entire tumor is removed.
What happens is that in this case you have to do it as conservatively as possible. Because, as urologists emphasize, “the aim is to keep the patient within some functional, aesthetic and psychological standards,
Penile cancer surgery can affect not only the sex life of the patient, but also on the functional level, urination and psychological part.
“Yes, it is true that on some occasions we have to do a radical penectomy, which is the complete removal of the organ. These patients undergo a percutaneous urostomy, connecting the urethra to the perineum behind the testicle, to allow urination while seated, although preserving sphincter function.
What is the profile of patients with penile cancer?
They are usually more than 50-60 years old.
A lesion appears on the penis, initially painless and asymptomatic.
Also due to other symptoms like pain in some parts of the body and weight loss.
Does poor hygiene play a role?
“without a doubt,” clarifies Dr. Felix Guerrero, “Poor hygiene habits in the penis lead to a chronic inflammatory condition, which can increase the risk of developing tumors in the area.”
also associated with phimosis, “At the moment, it is not known whether this is a risk factor or due to poor hygiene caused by the inability to retract the foreskin and clean the foreskin.”
