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Penile Cancer: Symptoms, Signs and Causes

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Penile cancer commonly presents with symptoms like sores, growths, changes in color and texture of the penile skin, bleeding, unusual discharge, and pain. Most of these symptoms are easily observable, making early detection possible.

Smoking, HPV infection, HIV/AIDS, etc., are identified as risk factors or possible causes of penile cancer in men. It is necessary to be aware of different risk factors to reduce the overall risk of penile cancer.

What are the Penile Cancer Symptoms and Signs?

Some patients may not experience any signs of penile cancer, while others will exhibit early symptoms. Unlike the symptoms of other cancers, penile cancer symptoms often don’t go unnoticed as they are easily visible to the naked eye.

Learning about the different signs and symptoms of penile cancer can lead to early detection and timely intervention.

Growth or Sore that Does Not Heal Within 4 Weeks

Having a persistent lesion or a sore on the penis that doesn't show any signs of healing within a normal timeframe could be one of the penile cancer symptoms. As it is one of the first symptoms of penile cancer, it is important not to ignore this sign and to see a specialist immediately.

Rash

One of the most important penile cancer symptoms is a rash that may present as persistent skin irritation or redness. It is also one of the early signs of penile cancer.

Smelly Discharge

Smelly discharge could also be one of the penile cancer symptoms. Those experiencing persistent, smelly discharge should see a doctor for a proper evaluation. /p>

Bleeding from the Penis

Bleeding from the penis, especially if it is persistent, should not be ignored. Penile bleeding may occur simultaneously or during activities like urination.

Thickening of the Skin of the Penis

Penile skin thickening is also one of the important penile cancer symptoms. Any changes in the texture of the penile skin should be examined by a doctor.

Change in Color of Skin

A change in the penile skin color, in terms of unusual discoloration or darkening, is one of the signs of penile cancer. Regular self-examination can help one reach out to the doctor at the right time and receive appropriate treatment.

Feeling Tired

As a non-specific symptom, fatigue is often seen in patients with advanced-stage penile cancer. Those experiencing persistent fatigue should consult a doctor for a prompt evaluation.

Stomach Pain

In advanced stages, penile cancer may spread to other body organs, such as the stomach, and cause secondary symptoms. In these cases, patients may experience stomach pain, and one must see a doctor if it is experienced persistently.

Unexpected Weight Loss

Unintended weight loss is often one of the stage 4 penile cancer symptoms. Those experiencing sudden weight loss should consult a doctor to find out the underlying cause.

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What are the Causes of Penile Cancer?

The exact cause of penile cancer is yet to be identified. However, several lifestyle-based and non-lifestyle-related factors have been identified as risk factors or possible causes of penile cancer. The following are some of the possible penile cancer causes or risk factors:

Smoking Tobacco

Smoking is identified as one of the potential penile cancer causes. The carcinogens present in tobacco reach the penis through the bloodstream. These harmful substances damage the DNA structure of cells present in the penis, which will eventually lead to the uncontrolled division of the penile cells and tumor formation.

Increasing Age

Penile cancer can occur at any age; however, its risk increases with age. Individuals aged 60 and above are at a higher risk of developing penile carcinoma. The cumulative effects of environmental exposure or lifestyle choices over time make increasing age one of the possible penile cancer causes.

HIV/AIDS

Having HIV/AIDS can increase one’s risk of developing penile cancer. HIV/AIDS weakens the immune system, which plays a pivotal role in fighting off early-stage cancers. Also, having a weakened immune system makes one more susceptible to other infections, such as HPV infection, which is also one of the possible penile cancer causes.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, infection is a sexually transmitted infection that is found to increase the risk of penile cancer. HPV types 16 and 18 are linked to penile cancer development in men.

Not Being Circumcised

Uncircumcised men have a slightly higher risk of developing penile cancer as compared to circumcised men. In uncircumcised men, a mixture of dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils, called smegma, accumulates under the foreskin. If left unmanaged, smegma accumulation may increase the risk of penile cancer on the foreskin. This can increase the risk of inflammation and HPV infection, which are risk factors for penile cancer.

Premalignant Lesions/Conditions

Certain premalignant conditions of the penis may also serve as possible penile cancer causes. Cutaneous horn, leukoplakia, penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN), balanitis xerotica obliterans, Buschke-Lownstein tumor, and lichen sclerosus et atrophicus are some of the important premalignant conditions that can lead to penile cancer, if left untreated.

Exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

Excessive exposure to UV radiation, particularly from tanning beds, is found to increase the risk of skin cancer, which can progress into penile cancer over time. UV light exposure is recommended as a treatment (PUVA therapy) for psoriasis in some cases.

It is important to discuss the benefits and risks and ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks before considering these treatments.

When to See an Oncologist

If symptoms like the presence of growths and lumps on the penile surface, sores, and changes in the appearance, color, and texture of the penile skin are observed persistently, it is important to consult a specialist. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are important for better clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

It is important to be aware of the different signs of penile cancer and understand the risk factors that are associated with it to put oneself a step ahead of penile cancer. If any symptom is experienced for more than 2-4 weeks, it is important to see a specialist for a proper evaluation, as it supports early detection and timely treatment of penile cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does early penile cancer feel like?

Penile carcinoma may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. However, some individuals may experience signs of penile cancer, such as changes in the texture and appearance of the penile skin, the presence of lumps or sores, unusual discharge, and bleeding. It is important to not ignore these symptoms and promptly see a doctor, especially if they are persistent.

The rate at which cancer spreads depends on the type, grade, and stage. Certain types of penile tumors have a faster growth rate compared to others. Also, a high-grade tumor refers to an aggressive type of cancer that spreads more readily than a low-grade tumor. Lastly, the higher the stage of cancer, the greater its potential to spread.

The aggressiveness of penile carcinoma depends on its type and grade. Certain types of penile cancer are relatively more aggressive than others and will demand a vigilant treatment approach.

Yes, in the early stages, a penile tumor may not exhibit any symptoms, and patients may not know.

Being aware of the different penile cancer early symptoms and looking for them during regular penile self-examinations can help in early detection and timely treatment.

Those with this cancer type may have discoloration of the penile skin, usually in the form of red or bluish-brown patches. However, not all patients with penile cancer may experience this symptom, and its appearance can vary from one patient to another.

Stage 0 penile carcinoma is characterized by the presence of precancerous lesions in the form of changes in the appearance and texture of the penile skin.

Yes, in some cases, a penile cancer lump on the shaft or other parts of the penis may be observed. It is important not to ignore any abnormalities and to see a specialist for a prompt evaluation.

The presence of an abnormal growth or bump on the tip or foreskin is often the first sign of penile cancer. Other signs of penile cancer include a rash, discoloration, unusual discharge, and bleeding. That said, other penile conditions may also cause these symptoms. Therefore, it is important to see a specialist for a proper evaluation.