Symptoms and causes

Penile Cancer

Symptoms of penile cancer

Penile cancer usually begins in the glans penis area and usually produces a lesion that is noticeable to the eye and can present itself in different forms:

• Wart-like lesion.
• An open sore that does not heal.
• A constant, foul-smelling redness or discharge.

These lesions do not respond to conventional treatments such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals or corticosteroids. Therefore, a biopsy is necessary to rule out the presence of a tumor.

It is important for men to perform periodic self-examination to detect these possible irregularities. When an abnormality appears on the penis, it should be evaluated by a specialist to rule out penile cancer.

Causes of Penile Cancer

The causes of penile cancer are unknown. However, there are some risk factors that may lead to its occurrence:

• Lack of hygiene.
• Phimosis: is the narrowing of the foreskin opening. When it is not possible to retract the foreskin, an accumulation of body oils, bacteria and smegma can occur.
• Smoking.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. People with HPV infection are at increased risk for penile cancer. Types 16, 18, 31 and 33 are the most common types found in this type of cancer. Having had condylomas - also known as genital warts - increases the risk.
• Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of atrophic white papules (granules) or plaques, mainly affecting the anogenital area.
• Some dermatological treatments against penile lesions.
• Multiple sexual partners.