Cancer of the penis is a frequent male cancer in all races which do not practice circumcision. Its incidence is highly variable: it is rare among Jews anywhere. It accounts for less than one per cent of male cancers in the United States.
Causes
Poor hygiene of the inside of the skin that covers the glans penis, seems to be one of the causes.
Symptoms
A hard-base chronic sore that does not heal and infiltrates and grows.
Diagnosis
· Routine: Blood: Hb, RBC, TLC, DLC, ESR may be normal.
· Special: Biopsy from the area involved and its histological examination confirms the diagnosis.
Treatment
· Surgical: Amputation of the part involved, as well as of the tissues that could have been involved.
· Radiation: Not very helpful. It may decrease the size of the glands in the groin that are involved.
· Chemotherapy: It is of no use.
Prognosis
If diagnosed early and surgical amputation done before it has spread in the adjoining area and lymph glands, the prognosis is good.
Early Detection
Signs & Symptoms
· A hard-base chronic ulcer on the penis that does not heal, but spreads into the tissues around.
Investigations
· Biopsy examination of the involved area, provides early diagnosis.