ALTHOUGH penile cancer remains rare, experts have sounded the alarm about a worrying rise in the number of cases.
Researchers say penile cancer cases worldwide could increase by up to 77% by 2050.
While developing countries are bearing the brunt of this worrying trend, they have seen a significant increase in “most European countries.”
The NHS says there are around 760 cases of penile cancer in the UK each year.
However, this number has increased by 28% compared to cases in the 1990s – and Cancer Research UK predicts the number will reach 1,100 per year by 2040.
According to Dr Colin Michie, deputy leader of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Central Lancashire, the aging population is one of the main drivers of cases.
“Other risk factors include a narrowed foreskin, poor genital hygiene and smoking,” he added, writing in The conversation.
Penile cancer can often be confused with an STI in its early stages and usually manifests itself as a wound on the penis that does not heal or a strong-smelling secretion.
But due to the intimate nature of the disease, many men may delay treatment out of embarrassment.
Michie said: “Penile cancer diagnoses are often delayed because patients feel guilt or embarrassment.
“Many men report self-medicating with antimicrobial creams or steroids while putting off a doctor’s appointment.
“Doctors also often contribute to delays, as injuries are sometimes misclassified as benign.
If the malignant cells spread to the lymph nodes in the groin, the chance of a cure is much lower, so rapid diagnosis and treatment are important.”
From sores to bleeding and rashes, here are the warning signs of penile cancer you should know amid the rise in cases.
1. Growths and sores
The cancer can develop anywhere on the penis, but most commonly it develops under the foreskin in men who have not been circumcised or on the head or tip of the penis – this is known as the glans.
One of the first signs of the disease is a tumor or wound that does not heal after four weeks.
According to CRUK, it may look like a wart, ulcer or blister and may not be painful.
In these cases, it is important to know what is normal for you so you can flag any changes to your doctor.
2. Bleeding
Another red flag sign of penile cancer is bleeding from the penis.
This includes bleeding under the foreskin.
3. Foul-smelling discharge
A foul-smelling discharge can be a sign of penile cancer, but it is more likely that the discharge is due to other factors.
It can occur due to an infection or because something irritates the skin of the penis.
It can also be caused by not washing your private parts often or carefully enough. A cheese-like substance called smegma can build up if you don’t wash your penis every day.
But this is different from constant discharge, so it’s important to tell a doctor if you notice it.
4. Rashes
A rash on the penis is another possible sign of cancer.
Be aware of what is normal for you and try not to be embarrassed to talk about it with a GP.
5. Foreskin problems
You may notice that it becomes more difficult to pull back the foreskin.
This is known as phimosis.
Dr. Michie noted, “Penile cancer is rare in people who were circumcised at birth.”
6. Color changes
Finally, it’s worth talking to a GP about changes in the color of your penis or foreskin.
There are other rarer symptoms of penile cancer, which may be a sign of the disease if it is more advanced:
- A lump in the groin
- Feeling tired
- Abdominal pain
- Bone pain
- Weight loss
CAUSES OF PENIS CANCER
“Squamous cells in the skin of the penis are responsible for more than 90% of penile cancers,” said Dr. Michie.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer.
“Other malignant diseases, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma or sarcoma, are less common.
“Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been identified in about half of squamous cell cancer cases.”
HPV is the name of a very common group of viruses – “probably the most commonly transmitted sexual infection in humanity,” according to Dr. Michie – that do not cause problems in most people.
Viruses are transmitted through skin contact during sex and more than 70% of sexually active adults will contract papillomavirus infections, the expert added.
But some high-risk types can result in genital warts or cancer.
HPV infections can remain just below the surface of the skin.
In the case of penile cancer, this can result in changes in the texture and color of the skin – such as a painless ulcer or wart.
“HPV 16, the most common high-risk type of HPV, can trigger malignant changes in the tissues of the penis or cervix, mouth, throat, vulva, vagina and anus,” Dr. Michie continued.
“It is probably the most carcinogenic HPV. Fortunately, HPV vaccines have already done an excellent job of reducing cervical cancer rates.
“It is likely that the effects of these vaccines on penile cancer will take longer to appear because there is normally a long period between HPV infection and the onset of cancer.”
TREATMENT
Treatment may involve surgery to remove the tumor, use of strong creams, laser treatment, freezing, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Operations to remove part or all of the penis are usually a last resort treatment for advanced cases.
A recent BBC report revealed that Brazil has one of the highest rates of penis amputations, with almost two amputations carried out per day.
Meanwhile, Shaun Evans bravely shared how his penis was amputated after being stricken with cancer by Sun Health in a bid to help other men avoid suffering his fate.
Michie said there is “hope on the horizon” when it comes to new treatments for penile cancer.
“New approaches, such as the use of modified T cells (a type of immune cell) that attack HPV-infected cells, or immunotherapies such as tislelizumab, which improve immune responses to squamous cell tumors, have proven effective in some cases,” he said. He explained.
I saw a spot similar to a cold sore on my penis – months later it was amputated
SHAUN Evans, 55, noticed a dull pain in his pelvic region in June 2022.
As his discomfort worsened, he saw that he was bleeding from his foreskin in the shower and discovered a wound at the base of his penis.
Alarmed, Shaun sought help at an STD clinic and was referred to a urologist.
Over the next few months, the 55-year-old was in agony.
“I went from walking five miles a night to dragging myself while walking and not being able to find comfort unless I was lying down.
“I was starting to feel a burning sensation when I urinated and the whole area was inflamed.”
In September 2022, months after first showing symptoms, the former West Midlands police officer was diagnosed with penile cancer.
What follows is enough to make any man shudder.
Shaun bravely shared his experience with Sun Health, hoping to spare other men his fate.
Read his story here.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
