Penile Cancer

What Is Penile Cancer?

Penile cancer develops in or on the penis when cells begin to grow uncontrollably. Like other cancers, it can spread to other parts of the body. Understanding penile cancer starts with knowing the structure and function of the penis.

About the Penis

The penis is the external male sexual organ and also part of the urinary system. It is made up of different tissues including skin, nerves, smooth muscle, and blood vessels.

• The main part is called the shaft, and the head is known as the glans
• The glans is covered by foreskin (prepuce) at birth, which may be removed by circumcision
• It contains three chambers filled with spongy tissue and blood vessels
• Two chambers are called corpora cavernosa, and one is the corpus spongiosum
• The corpus spongiosum surrounds the urethra, which carries urine and semen
• The urethral opening at the tip is called the meatus

During an erection, blood fills the chambers, making the penis firm. During ejaculation, semen travels through the urethra and exits the body through the meatus.

What Are the Risk Factors for Penile Cancer?

Risk factors are conditions or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing cancer. However, having risk factors does not guarantee that a person will develop the disease.

• Smoking and tobacco use
• Poor genital hygiene
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Phimosis (tight foreskin)
• Age (more common in older men)
• Weakened immune system

Treatment of Penile Cancer

Treatment depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. Patients should carefully consider their options and discuss them with their healthcare team.

Main treatment options include:

• Surgery (primary treatment in most cases)
• Local therapy for early-stage cancers
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

Surgery is the most common treatment, but radiation therapy may be used alone or along with surgery. Chemotherapy may be recommended for advanced or spreading cancers.

Treatment Team

A multidisciplinary team of specialists may be involved in treatment:

• Urologist: in male reproductive and urinary systems
• Radiation Oncologist: Uses radiation therapy to treat cancer
• Medical Oncologist: Specializes in chemotherapy and drug treatments
• Other healthcare professionals such as nurses, therapists, and support staff