Penile cancer, or cancer of the penis, is a rare condition that affects men. It happens when the cells of your penis grow out of control. This is a rare form of cancer, but if caught early on, treatment is manageable. Early detection will not affect your ability to stand when urinating or your ability to have sex.

We have the best urologist at Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center that can help you with symptoms of penile cancer. You can contact us by visiting our clinic or visiting our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com.

Symptoms

Most penile cancer affects the foreskin or the skin that covers the head/tip of the penis. You can see and touch your penis, especially when you urinate, so you can help notice any changes on your foreskin or on the head. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• A rash
• A sore that does not go away, or persists for more than 4 weeks
• A bleeding in your penis, or under your foreskin
• A change in the color of the skin or the foreskin of your penis
• A smelly discharge
• A lump in your groin area or penis
• A swelling in your penis
• Thickening or crusting of the skin/foreskin making it hard to pull back the foreskin

Causes

Penile tumors are believed to be fluids trapped under your foreskin. When they are not drained regularly they can have cancer-causing effects. Although experts and specialists don’t really know the exact causes of penile cancer. Based on research, this condition is common in men who:

• Are over 60 years old
• Smoke
• Have a weak immune system due to HIV and/or AIDS
• Have human papillomavirus, or HPV
• Have a condition that causes the foreskin to be tight and hard to clean, as it can lead to the buildup of fluid. This condition is called phimosis.

You may also have a higher risk of having penile cancer if you are not circumcised. This can cause fluid and thick buildup called smegma, it can accumulate under your foreskin.

Treatment

Penile cancer is more likely to be treated if found early. But the treatment will depend on different factors, such as:

• The location of the cancer
• The size and type of your cancer
• If it has already spread
• Your age and the status of your general health

During the early stages of your cancer, treatment can include:

• Medication – this is in the form of a cream
• Mohs Surgery – this procedure is used to remove the affected skin until healthy skin is reached
• Radiation and/or chemotherapy – to remove the cancer cells in your body
• Cryotherapy – a procedure that uses an extremely cold liquid to kill the cancerous tissue
• Lasers – to destroy or contain the areas that have cancer
• Circumcision – this is a procedure that removes or cuts the foreskin of your penis
• Penectomy – this procedure is where a part or all of your penis is surgically removed

These procedures and treatments, aside from radiation and chemotherapy, for early-stage penile cancer do not affect your ability to have sex. But it is best that you talk to your medical provider to discuss possible side effects.

If you or your loved one has symptoms of penile cancer, have them/yourself checked. You can schedule an appointment with Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center’s best urologist in Brooklyn. Our specialists will work with you in managing your condition. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212, or call 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/.