Penile Cancer

Cancers which start in skin cells of the penis are called penile cancers. Since each tissue in the penis is  constituted by various kinds of cells, there are different cancers of the penis which can start in each type of cell. These differences are crucial and ascertain the type of treatment required and the seriousness of the cancer. Based on the type of cells they start from, penile cancer have been categorized in different types. 

Types of penile cancer 

Squamous cell cancers 

The percentage of penile cancers developing from flat type skin cells known as squamous cells is as high as 95%. Even though squamous cells can grow anywhere on the penis, these cancers are usually located on the foreskin or on the penis glans. Such cancers tend to grow slowly and if detected in early stages, treatment is usually successful.  

  • Verrucous carcinoma : This is a rare type of cancer that often looks like a large genital wart. Although these cancers usually grow slowly, they sometimes tend to grow very large. 

  • CIS (Carcinoma in-situ) : This is one of the earliest stages of such cancer where the cancer cells are only located in the top layer of the penile skin.  

    Melanoma 

    The cells that protect our skin from the sun and gives it a brown color are called melanocytes. And the type of cancer that develops in melanocytes in known as melanoma. These are the most dangerous type of cancers and tend to grow and spread rapidly. But still, only 2% of penile cancers are melanoma skin cancers. 

    Basal cell cancer  

    The cancers that grows on the basal cells that cover nearly 2% of the the area are called basal cell carcinomas. They rarely spread to other parts of the body and are often slow when it comes to growth as well.  

    Adenocarcinoma 

    This is a very rare type of cancer that can develop due to sweat glands present in the penile skin. Starting from under the skin, these cancers first grow into the tissues and then spread to the lymph nodes.   

    Diagnosis of penile cancers 

    Biopsy procedures 

    Biopsy procedures are mostly accurate and are often needed. In biopsy, a small sample of the tissue is sent to a pathologist to check if cancer is there. Depending on the nature of abnormality, there may be different biopsy procedures involved.  

  • Incisional biopsy : When only a part of the affected tissue is removed. 

  • Excisional biopsy : More common type of biopsy where the entire lesion is taken out.  

  • Lymph node biopsy : When the cancer has already invaded deep into the body, lymph node biopsy is necessary to check the nearby nodes for cancer spread.  

    Imaging tests  

    Imaging tests generally use x-rays, sound waves or magnetic fields concepts to generate images of the inside of our body. In case of penile cancers, doctors usually prefer tests like CT scan, MRI scan ultrasound.