General information about Penile Cancer
Penile cancer is the cancer of the Penis. It usually occurs on the skin of the penis or within the penis. Penile cancer is most common among males over the age of 60.
Symptoms of Penile Cancer
The following symptoms can indicate penile cancer:
- A growth or sore on the penis that does not heal within 4 weeks – not necessarily painful and can look like an ulcer, wart or blister
- Strange or foul smelling discharge
- Bleeding from the penis or from under its foreskin
- A rash on the penis
- Change in the color of the penis or the foreskin
- Thickening of the skin of the penis or of the foreskin, making it difficult to draw back the foreskin
If the penile cancer has reached an advanced stage other symptoms may be present, such as a lump or swelling in your groin, tirednes, stomach pains, bone pain and weight loss.
If you experience any of the above symptoms of penile cancer, it is recommended to visit your GP. However, having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have penile cancer. They could be symptoms of other medical conditions.
Treatments available for Penile Cancer in Bristol
Below are some common treatments for penile cancer we offer here in Bristol.
Laser surgery can be used for early stage penile cancer. A laser is used to carefully kill the tumour cells while causing little damage to surrounding areas.
Cryotherapy can also used for early stage penile cancer. Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and kill the penile cancer cells using a probe. The cryotherapy may leave a scar once the skin is healed. If the penile cancer only affects the foreskin, your Bristol doctor may only remove the foreskin (circumcision).
Chemotherapy drugs are used for later stage penile cancer. These can stop or reduce the growth of the the tumor.
Radiotherapy uses high-energy waves to kill the penile cancer cells.
Surgery may be recommended to remove the tumor. This will result in loss of penis tissue depending on the size and location of the tumor. In most cases reconstructive surgery can restore the appearance of the penis.
