This is a very rare cancer in men. It is most common in men between the age of 50-70 years. If presented early, it is highly treatable but most men because of embarrassment and fear do not present early in the hospital.
The part of penis mostly affected is glans followed by prepuce (for those uncircumcised) and least common site is the shaft.
RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING CANCER OF THE PENIS
Lack of circumcision
Obesity
Smoking
Human Papilloma Virus infection
Poor genital hygiene
Never married/ divorced man
Low socioeconomic status
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Sign and symptoms of cancer of the penis include:
1. Change in skin colour of the penis
2. Smelly discharge
3. Painless sore over the penis
4. Swelling at the end of the penis
5. Lump in the groin area
6. Fungating mass over the penis.
DIAGNOSIS
Some of the signs and symptoms outlined above are also seen in sexually transmitted infection hence need for biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
TREATMENT
This depends on how early patient present in the hospital. Treatment options include:
Partial amputation of the penis
Radiotherapy
Excision and reconstruction of the glans
Total penectomy.
Dr. Adeyemo Olusola is a medical graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria along with certificate in advanced diploma in Principles of Nutrition, Management and Leadership, Dublin and Certificate in Global Health from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. In addition to his numerous certifications, he is a certified Telemedicine Physician from Harvard Medical School, USA. He is an avid reader of books from different oases of life, expert in Medical Statistics and an award winner at both local and international level. “So many a time, I have seen people die avoidable death because of lack of knowledge or information, falling victim of fate. There is then a necessity laid on us to help arm our society to the teeth, as a healthy society cannot be detached from an informed one. Hence, there is need for healthgist.net. We hope you will have a wonderful stay on our website.”
