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Penile cancer is more common in Asia, South America, and Africa. Symptoms include changes in skin appearance, lumps, swelling, and discharge. A biopsy is needed for diagnosis. Previous herpes or HPV infection increases risk. There are six types of penile cancer, with epidermoid carcinoma being the most common.
Penile cancer is rare in men in North America and Europe, but is relatively common in Asia, South America, and Africa. Changes in the skin on the penis or the presence of a lump could be symptoms of penile cancer. A physical exam and biopsy are needed to diagnose cancer.
The signs a man can use to identify the potential presence of penile cancer are changes in the appearance of the skin and the development of discharge, swelling or lumps. The skin may start to thicken or take on a different color than it used to. Lumps or sores may appear, which may or may not be painful. A red rash, unusual colored growths, or crusted bumps may occur. The foreskin may cover these marks, and a discharge may develop under the foreskin. This discharge may also have an unpleasant odor.
In some cases, the tip of the penis swells. Swollen lymph nodes in the groin can also be one of the symptoms of penile cancer. All the symptoms of penile cancer can be caused by other conditions as well but since the cancers are in the early stages they are easier to treat. One or more symptoms may be present. Men with any of these symptoms should visit a doctor.
A doctor will visually examine the man and take his medical history. Previous infection with the herpes virus or human papillomavirus (HPV) increases the risk of penile cancer. If your doctor finds symptoms of penile cancer, he’ll recommend a biopsy. This is a removal of some cells or an entire lump from the penis. The cells are then examined in the laboratory to see if they show any changes suggestive of cancer.
There are six types of penile cancer. Epidermoid carcinoma, a squamous cell cancer of the penis, is by far the most common. This cancer most often grows on the foreskin or the glans penis at the end of the penis.
Verrucous carcinoma, a disease that originates in epidermoid carcinoma-like cells, can appear as a wart on the penis. This type usually affects only the penis and not other areas of the body. An adenocarcinoma is very rare and develops from the sweat glands in the skin.
Melanoma is also rare and originates in melanocytes, the cells that give the skin a tan. This type of cancer can spread very quickly. Basal cell cancer originates in skin cells, grows slowly, and does not tend to spread. Sarcoma is a very rare penile cancer and originates in the connective tissue of the penis.
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