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Penile Cancer - Diagnosis and Treatment

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Despite being rare, penile cancer necessitates careful attention to both diagnosis and treatment to ensure better quality health outcomes. Being aware of the different diagnostic tests and treatment options available for penile cancer can help one make informed decisions.

What are the Penile Cancer Diagnosis Tests?

For an accurate penile cancer diagnosis, doctors recommend different types of tests. These include both invasive and non-invasive tests. The following are the different procedures recommended for penile cancer diagnosis:

Blood Test

Blood tests are recommended to look for specific markers that indicate the presence of penile cancer. Blood tests may also help assess the functioning of various organs in the body. For a penile cancer diagnosis, blood tests are often recommended along with other diagnostic procedures.

Biopsy

A biopsy involves the collection of a penile tissue sample and its microscopic examination for the presence of cancerous cells. This procedure helps in arriving at a definitive diagnosis and provides additional information, such as the type, stage, and grade of penile cancer.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed images of the internal structures of the penis. It provides information related to the size and parameters related to the tumor. Based on the results of the ultrasound scan, additional penile cancer tests may be recommended.

CT Scan

A CT scan, which is a valuable tool for penile cancer diagnosis, uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body. A penile CT scan is recommended for its diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning as it provides valuable information, such as the extent of the tumor growth, lymph node involvement, and metastasis.

MRI

MRI is an important tool for penile cancer diagnosis. An MRI scan creates detailed images of the internal structures of the penis using magnetic fields and radio waves. Like CT scans, MRI scans also provide comprehensive information about the tumor, which helps in disease staging and treatment planning.

PET Scan

A PET scan is recommended during a penile cancer diagnosis to look for increased metabolic activity in the body. This procedure involves injecting a radioactive tracer, which is picked up by cancer cells in the body. A PET scan helps in determining the extent of cancer spread and identifying potential metastatic sites.

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What are Effective Penile Cancer Treatments?

Penile cancer treatment is recommended based on the stage of penile cancer, its type, its grade, the patient’s age, and the patient’s overall health condition. The following are the different approaches recommended for penile cancer treatment:

Surgery

Surgery is often the primary line of penile cancer treatment. A penile cancer operation may involve the removal of the cancerous tissues along with a small portion of healthy tissues nearby. Doctors may recommend the following penile cancer surgery approaches, depending on the stage of the disease:

Partial Penectomy: Removes a portion of the penis affected by cancer while preserving its function.

Total Penectomy: Removes the penis completely; this procedure is often followed by penile reconstruction.

Mohs Surgery: Removes the cancerous tissue layer-by-layer to preserve healthy tissue.

Cryosurgery: Freezes cancer cells using liquid nitrogen; often recommended for superficial lesions.

Lymph Node Dissection: Removes cancer-affected lymph nodes to prevent further cancer spread.

Penile Reconstruction (Phalloplasty): Creates a new penis using tissue grafts from other body parts.

Glans Resurfacing: Removes and reconstructs the glans; suitable for cancers limited to the tip of the penis.

Penile Implants: Replaces the penile tissues with specialized implants to restore erectile function after penile cancer surgery.

Pelvic Exenteration: Removes organs in the pelvic region; recommended in advanced cases.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment uses focused light energy to destroy penile cancer tissue. Laser treatment for penile cancer is often recommended in cases of smaller tumors or lesions. This is a minimally invasive approach, and it is effective in precisely targeting specific areas and limiting damage to healthy tissues.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy involves the administration of light-sensitive drugs and exposure to a specific type of light to destroy cancer cells. This penile cancer treatment is often recommended to treat superficial penile lesions.

Radiation Therapy (Radiotherapy)

Radiation therapy for penile cancer involves the use of high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be administered alone or in combination with penile cancer surgery, chemotherapy, or other treatments. Radiotherapy for penile cancer may help shrink the tumor, destroy residual cancer cells, or alleviate pain and discomfort in advanced stages.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy for penile cancer involves the use of powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. Also referred to as penile cancer medication, chemotherapy is often recommended in advanced stages when cancer has spread outside the penis. As an effective penile carcinoma treatment, chemotherapy may be administered systemically (through the bloodstream) to target cancer cells throughout the body.

Palliative Care

Palliative care is a disease management approach recommended to improve the quality of life. A personalized palliative care program focuses on improving symptoms, managing pain, and supporting emotional and psychological well-being among patients. Palliative or supportive care is often an integral part of a comprehensive treatment plan, aiming to enhance comfort and the overall patient experience.

Why Choose HCG for Treatment and Diagnosis of Penile Cancer?

As one of the best cancer hospitals in India, HCG stands out for penile cancer treatment due to its specialized expertise in uro-oncology. The state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities and comprehensive treatment options, including advanced therapies, ensure patients receive cutting-edge care. Holistic support services further contribute to a comprehensive and compassionate approach to penile cancer care.

Conclusion

A patient-centric approach, coupled with ongoing research and innovation, plays a pivotal role in the effective management of penile cancer. Today, we have a myriad of penile cancer treatment options available to support superior-quality clinical outcomes among patients while also preserving their quality of life. Allied services, such as pain management, supportive/palliative care, onco-dietetics, etc., further contribute to the clinical outcomes and the overall well-being of the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is penile cancer completely curable?

The curability of penile cancer depends on various factors, including the stage at diagnosis, the different tumor parameters, and the patient’s overall health status. It has been observed that the penile cancer survival rate is excellent if it is caught and treated in the early stages. That said, early detection and prompt intervention increase the chances of successful outcomes.

Survival rates for stage 4 penile cancer vary based on individual factors. Today, we have advanced treatment approaches available to delay disease progression, prolong survival, improve symptoms, and enhance the quality of life in advanced cases.

That said, consultation with a specialist is necessary for a personalized prognosis and treatment plan.

The duration for which penile cancer can go untreated is challenging to estimate, as the disease progression can vary from one patient to another. It also depends on numerous factors, such as the stage at which the disease is diagnosed and the patient’s overall health.

It is crucial to note that penile cancers are best managed when they are diagnosed and treated in their early stages. Delaying medical attention may lead to limited treatment options and poor clinical outcomes.

Depending on the stage of the disease, its grade, the patient’s overall health condition, and the number of chemo cycles recommended, the duration of chemotherapy may vary from one patient to another.

The growth rate of penile tumors varies. Some types of penile tumors may grow slowly, while others can be more aggressive and have a faster growth rate. Early detection through regular penile cancer screening is necessary for timely intervention.

It is not possible to consider one treatment approach as a cure for penile cancer, as every case of penile cancer is different, and no two penile cancers can be treated the same way. For the effective management of penile cancer, specialists develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include one or more treatments.