Penile Cancer

Penile cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the penis (the external male reproductive organ). Most penile cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the penis).

Estimated new cases and deaths from penile (and other male genital) cancer in the United States in 2007:

• New cases: 1,280
• Deaths: 290

Symptoms and Diagnosis

These and other symptoms may be caused by penile cancer. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:

• Redness, irritation, or a sore on the penis.
• A lump on the penis.

The following tests and procedures may be used to diagnose penile cancer:

• Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking the penis for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient's health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
• Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer.

Causes

All cancers are caused by dysfunctions of proteins involved in cell division, apoptosis, or DNA repair (see general characteristics). Dysfunctional proteins may arise from gene mutations or protein interactions with environments such as viral proteins.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may increase the risk of developing penile cancer. Circumcision may help prevent infection with HPV. A circumcision is an operation in which the doctor removes part or all of the foreskin from the penis. Many boys are circumcised shortly after birth. Men who were not circumcised at birth may have a higher risk of developing penile cancer.

Other risk factors for penile cancer include the following:

• Being age 60 or older.
• Having phimosis (a condition in which the foreskin of the penis cannot be pulled back over the glans).
• Having poor personal hygiene.
• Having many sexual partners.
• Using tobacco products.

Reference:

National Cancer Institute, USA.