Cancer of the penis - Causes, symptoms and treatment. MF.
Cancer of the penis is a malignant tumor that develops from the tissues of the penis, which has destructive growth and the ability to spread throughout the body in the form of metastases.
Causes of penile cancer:
- Phimosis is a violation of the opening of the glans penis. It is proved that circumcision( circumcision of the skin of the prepuce) minimizes the risk of developing a tumor. Rather, this pattern is due to the fact that circumcision prevents the accumulation of smegma
- Chronic inflammatory processes of the mucosa of the penis and foreskin.
- Infection with human papillomaviruses, especially 16 and 18 types.
- Some benign processes and hereditary diseases.
Symptoms of penile cancer
The first symptom of the disease is the appearance of an altered patch of skin in the form of a dense nodule or sore that gradually grows, grows in size, but, initially without pain. The altered area can be located both on the skin and on the mucosa of the glans penis.
In the photo: symptoms of penile cancer
Further pains in the area of the altered area are joined, purulent discharge from its surface with an unpleasant odor, an admixture of blood in the urine and pain during urination are possible.
If such changes are detected, you should immediately contact a urologist who will inspect and, if necessary, a number of diagnostic measures( scraping from the affected area, puncture of enlarged lymph nodes).
If necessary, the examination is supplemented by ultrasound examination of the penis in the affected area( to study the depth of tumor growth, involvement of the urethra), inguinal lymph nodes and internal organs.
Treatment of penile cancer
The best results can be achieved by surgical treatment: with small tumors - organ-preserving sparing operations designed to preserve the function of the organ;with tumors that go beyond the head and are large - amputation of the penis.
Such treatment methods as radiation therapy, laser treatment and chemotherapy are ineffective and give a high percentage of tumor recurrences.
Doctor oncologist Barinova N.Yu.