What is penile cancer

Lymph nodes are collections of immune system cells. Normally, they are bean-sized and can barely be felt at all. If they're swollen, the lymph nodes may feel like smooth lumps under the skin.

More commonly, lymph nodes swell in response to an infection. Skin changes The first sign of penile cancer is most often a change in the skin of the penis.

These growths tend to look like tiny cauliflowers. Some are so small that they can only be seen with a magnifying lens.

Others may be as large as an inch or more across. Condylomas are caused by infection with certain types of human papillomavirus HPV. This condition is also linked to infection with HPV and tends to occur in younger, sexually active men. It's seen as small, red or brown spots or patches on the shaft of the penis.

These may look like genital warts, but when looked at under a microscope, dysplastic abnormal cells are seen in the surface layer of the penile skin. Bowenoid papulosis can also be mistaken for an early-stage cancer called carcinoma in situ CIS , also known as Bowen disease described below. Each type of tissue in the penis contains several types of cells. Different types of penile cancer can start from these cells. The differences are important because they determine the seriousness of the cancer and the type of treatment needed.

Repeated infections are linked to a higher risk of developing some types of penile cancer, because they can weaken your immune system. The Cancer Research UK website has more information about the risks and causes of penile cancer. Your GP will ask you about any symptoms you have and when they occur.

They'll also examine your penis for signs of penile cancer. To find out if you should be referred for further tests for suspected penile cancer, read the NICE guidelines on Suspected Cancer: Recognition and Referral. If your GP suspects penile cancer, they may refer you to a specialist — usually a urologist a doctor who specialises in conditions that affect the urinary system and genitals. The specialist will ask about your symptoms and check your medical history. They may also check for any physical signs of penile cancer.

A blood test may be carried out to check your general health and the number of blood cells. To confirm a diagnosis of penile cancer, you may need to have a biopsy.

A small tissue sample will be removed so it can be examined under a microscope for cancerous cells. Treatment for penile cancer will depend on the size of the affected area and the rate at which the cancer has spread. For example, in most cases of carcinoma in situ CIS , where only the skin cells of the penis are affected, treatment will usually involve either using a chemotherapy cream or having laser surgery to remove the affected area of skin.

You will usually have a skin graft after surgery. In most cases, any physical changes to your penis after an operation can be corrected with reconstructive surgery. Skin and muscle can be taken from elsewhere in the body to recreate a functioning penis.

T stands for the main primary tumor how far it has grown within the penis or nearby organs. N stands for spread to nearby lymph nodes bean-sized groups of immune system cells. M is for metastasis spread to other organs. This is a measure of how abnormal the cells look. The grade is often a number, from 1 to 4. The higher the number, the more abnormal the cells look. Higher-grade cancers tend to grow and spread more quickly than lower-grade cancers.

If your doctor believes that cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, other tests will be done. If cancer is thought to spread to other parts of the body, imaging tests such as a CT scan , or MRI will be done. If penile cancer is found early, it can be treated with success and low risk. If the tumor is on top of the skin, it may be treated with a skin cream. This cream has few side effects. External beam radiation is also a therapy for small lesions.

This is a type of surgery where layers of abnormal tissue are shaved off until normal tissue is reached. With both of these methods, the penis should still look normal and work as usual. But careful follow-up is vital to check for early recurrence.

With larger lesions, more tissue needs to be removed. Your surgeon will also consider taking out or draining lymph nodes in the groin. A mix of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy may be needed. In cases where the cancer is more advanced, the whole penis may need to be removed.

Early detection is very important. It not only ensures better results, but there are more treatment options.