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7 Common Myths About Penis Cancer Treatment Debunked by Experts

26 Dec
By Dr. Anup Ramani
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Objective:

A cancer diagnosis affecting the reproductive organs carries a heavy psychological burden, often compounded by silence and misinformation. When facing a diagnosis of penile cancer, patients frequently battle intense fear regarding their future quality of life, physical appearance and intimate relationships. The purpose of this guide is to dismantle these fears by replacing rumors with medical realities, ensuring that patients and their families can make informed decisions based on hope and science rather than anxiety.

Myth 1: Penis Cancer Surgery Always Means the Whole Penis is Removed

Fact: Many cases can be treated with organ-sparing or partial procedures depending on the tumor’s size and location.

The most terrifying thought for any patient is the complete loss of the organ. This fear often leads to delayed consultations, which can complicate treatment. However, the medical reality is far more encouraging than the rumor mill suggests.

Modern oncology prioritizes organ preservation. A skilled penis cancer surgeon focuses on removing the malignancy while saving as much healthy tissue as possible. The goal is always to cure the cancer while maintaining the patient’s body image and function.

For many individuals, especially those who seek help early, partial penectomy surgery is the standard approach. This procedure involves removing only the affected part of the organ along with a safety margin. The rest of the organ remains intact, allowing for a significant degree of normalcy.

Even when tumors are larger, surgeons use advanced reconstruction techniques. The medical community understands the deep psychological impact of this disease. Therefore, total removal is considered a last resort, reserved only for the most advanced cases, not the default for everyone.

Patients should understand that every case is unique. A consultation with a specialist for penis cancer surgery in India will reveal that there are often multiple surgical options available. The narrative that diagnosis equals total loss is simply incorrect for many men.

Myth 2: If Surgery Happens, Sexual Life is Over

Fact: Sexual function depends on the type of surgery and healing. Many patients can still have intimacy and specialists can help with recovery and sexual health support.

It is a common belief that treatment for penile cancer marks the end of a man’s intimate life. This misconception causes profound distress and depression. While anatomy may change, the capacity for intimacy often remains.

The body is incredibly adaptable and healing goes beyond just the closing of a wound. Patients who undergo a surgery often retain sensation and the ability to achieve an erection. The remaining tissue can still function, allowing for a fulfilling connection with a partner.

Recovery involves psychological adjustment as much as physical healing. Specialists in penis cancer treatment often work with counselors to help men navigate this new chapter. Open communication with a partner is key and many couples find their bond strengthens through the process.

For those requiring more extensive surgery, medical science offers solutions. Reconstructive surgery and various medical aids can assist in restoring function. The definition of intimacy is broad and with the right support, patients can reclaim this important aspect of their lives.

Support groups and sexual health experts are increasingly part of the care team. They provide strategies and reassurance that life as a sexual being continues. The fear of ending intimacy should never prevent someone from seeking life-saving care.

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Myth 3: After Surgery, You Won’t Be Able to Urinate Normally at All

Fact: Many people urinate normally after recovery; in some procedures, urination may change, but it’s usually manageable with guidance.

A major source of anxiety is the fear of losing basic bodily autonomy. Many men worry they will be dependent on medical devices or lose the ability to stand while urinating. For the majority of patients, this fear does not come to pass.

In standard organ-sparing procedures, the urethra is carefully preserved or reconstructed. This means that after healing from penis cancer surgery, most men can continue to urinate from a standing position. The stream may be slightly different, but the function remains largely the same.

Even in cases where a partial penectomy surgery is performed, the surgeon’s priority is maintaining urinary control. The muscles that control the bladder are typically not affected by the removal of the distal tumor. Continence is preserved and daily life continues without the need for bags.

In more complex scenarios where the urethra must be relocated, surgeons perform a perineal urethrostomy. This creates a new opening that requires sitting to urinate. While this is a change, it allows for complete control and independence, ensuring the patient stays dry and clean.

Detailed pre-operative counseling helps prepare patients for any changes. Knowing what to expect reduces fear. Ultimately, the vast majority of men regain a routine that is manageable and dignified.

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Myth 4: Surgery is the Only Treatment for Penile Cancer

Fact: Treatment can include different approaches (and sometimes combinations), based on stage and spread – not surgery alone for everyone.

There is a widespread myth that the scalpel is the only weapon against this disease. This leads people to believe that if they are not candidates for surgery, there is no hope. In reality, treatment is multimodal and tailored to the specific biology of the tumor.

Comprehensive penis cancer treatment in India often involves a team of experts. Medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons collaborate to create a plan. This might include topical creams for very early surface lesions, avoiding surgery altogether.

Laser ablation is another option for superficial cases. It uses focused energy to destroy cancer cells with minimal impact on surrounding tissue. This is highly effective for organ preservation in carefully selected patients.

Radiation therapy can also play a major role. It may be used to shrink a tumor before surgery or as a primary treatment to kill cancer cells while sparing anatomy. Chemotherapy is another tool, often used for more advanced disease to treat the whole body. Patients seeking penis cancer treatment in Mumbai will find centers equipped with these diverse technologies.

Myth 5: If Lymph Nodes are Involved, It’s Automatically “Too Late”

Fact: Lymph node evaluation and treatment can be very effective and is a key part of care in many patients.

Discovering that cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the groin can feel like a death sentence. Patients often interpret this as the cancer becoming uncontrollable. However, managing lymph nodes is a standard, curative part of the treatment protocol.

The lymphatic system is the body’s drainage network and it is the first place penile cancer travels. A specialized penis cancer surgeon anticipates this and evaluates the nodes as part of the initial workup. Treating these nodes is proactive, not reactive.

If cancer is found in the nodes, removing them can stop further spread. This procedure, known as lymph node dissection, has a high success rate when done early. It prevents the disease from moving to distant organs.

Modern techniques like sentinel lymph node biopsy allow for precise detection. This minimizes the extent of surgery needed for diagnosis. It ensures that only those who need full dissection undergo it, reducing side effects.

Long-term survival is very achievable even with lymph node involvement. It requires aggressive and expert management, but it is far from being “too late.” It is simply the next step in a comprehensive cure.

Myth 6: Surgery Spreads Cancer

Fact: Proper cancer surgery is designed to remove cancer safely; it does not “spread” cancer when done using standard oncologic technique.

A dangerous myth persists that opening up about cancer, causes it to spread like wildfire. This folklore often discourages people from consenting to necessary procedures. The truth is that surgery is the most effective method for removing solid tumors.

Experienced onco-surgeons follow strict biological principles. When performing penis cancer surgery in Mumbai, for example, the team uses no-touch techniques. They remove the tumor encased in a buffer of healthy tissue to ensure no cells are spilled.

The spread of cancer is caused by the aggressive nature of the disease itself, not the surgery. Delaying surgery allows the tumor to grow and metastasize naturally. Intervention interrupts this process; it does not accelerate it.

Surgical instruments and fields are managed with extreme care. The goal is to obtain “negative margins,” meaning no cancer is left at the edge of the removed tissue. This is the gold standard for a cure.

Trusting in a qualified center for penis cancer surgery in India is crucial. These centers adhere to international safety protocols. Patients can be confident that the procedure is designed to contain and eliminate the disease, not disseminate it.

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Myth 7: Recovery is Always Extremely Painful and Disabling for a Long Time

Fact: Recovery varies by procedure and person. Pain control, wound care and step-by-step rehabilitation help many patients return to routine activities.

The fear of post-operative suffering can be as debilitating as the disease itself. People imagine months of bed rest and agony. While recovery takes time, modern medicine has made it much smoother and faster than in the past.

Pain management has evolved significantly. After a partial penectomy, patients receive a tailored regimen of medications to keep them comfortable. Most men are surprised by how manageable the discomfort is.

Early mobilization is encouraged. Sitting up and walking shortly after surgery prevents complications and boosts morale. It reinforces the fact that the patient is recovering, not invalid.

Conclusion

Whether a patient undergoes penis cancer treatment involving surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, rehabilitation is key. Support is available every step of the way. The journey ends with a return to life, not a permanent state of disability.

Frequently Asked Questions

The stay typically lasts a few days to a week, depending on the extent of the procedure and healing progress.

Most comprehensive health insurance policies cover cancer surgeries, but it is best to check specific terms with the provider.

Yes, a catheter is usually placed temporarily to drain urine and allow the surgical site to heal properly.

Many patients return to desk jobs within a few weeks, while physically demanding jobs may require a longer recovery period.

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Dr. Anup Ramani is one of the best Uro oncologist, Surgeon in Mumbai, India providing Robotic Surgery and Treatment for Prostate Cancer, Kidney Tumor Surgery/Stone Removal, Urinary Bladder Cancer and Adrenal Gland Treatment, Enlarged Prostate Surgery and treatment, Penis Cancer/Partial Penectomy/Robotic Pyeloplasty Surgery and Treatment.

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PARTIAL PENECTOMY
  • Partial penectomy is done in cases where glans and distal penis is involved with carcinoma. 
  • Partial penectomy is a type of organ-preserving surgery. Preservation of sexual and micturational function depends on the surgical dissection and reconstruction of residual urethra.
Kidney Stone Removal
  • Patients who develop stones in the kidney or ureter, often experience severe pain.
  • This condition usually needs a procedure to remove the kidney stones.
  • This procedure is called ureteroscopy and is performed very commonly.
  • It does not require any cuts and hence it is painless.
  • The procedure is performed with an endoscope inserted through the penis under spinal anesthesia.
  • The scope is inserted through the penis into the kidney and stones are dissolved with a laser.
  • The procedure takes about 40-50 minutes. 
  • A catheter (urine pipe) is kept after the procedure to drain the bladder. A stent is kept in the kidney at the same time.
  • Patient is mobile and walking in the room the same evening.
  • Hospital stay is one night and patient is discharged the next day after removal of the catheter.
  • Patient has to come back after six weeks to remove the stent in the kidney.
  • Patients can resume office a week after surgery and heavy activities like running, weight lifting, a month after the procedure.
  • We offer fixed packages for this procedure which can be obtained by calling our helpline +91 9967666060.
  • Men with an enlarged prostate, which is a normal ageing changes, often experiencing difficulty passing urine. This condition usually needs a procedure to trim the prostate and relieve the blockage.
  • This procedure is called TURP and is performed very commonly.
  • It does not require any cuts and hence it is painless.
  • The procedure is performed with an endoscope inserted through the penis under spinal anaesthesia.
  • The overgrown prostate is dissolved with a laser bloodlessly.
  • The procedure takes about 40 minutes.
  • A catheter (urine pipe) is kept after the procedure to drain the bladder.
  • Patient is mobile and walking in the room the same evening.
  • Hospital stay is two nights and patient is discharged with the catheter, which is removed after 4 days.
  • Patients can resume office a week after surgery and heavy activities like running, weight lifting, a month after the procedure.
  • We offer fixed packages for this procedure which can be obtained by calling our helpline +91 9967666060.
ROBOTIC ADRENALECTOMY FOR ADRENAL GLAND TUMOUR

  • Robotic adrenalectomy is a sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications.

  • Once the anesthesia is done, and patient positioned, three micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.

  • The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).

  • Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.

  • On an average, a robotic adrenalectomy takes one hour.

  • The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.

  • A urine catheter and bag to drain the bladder is inserted during surgery.

  • A tiny drain pipe may be inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.

  • Patient is kept nil-by-mouth the day of the surgery, with IV fluids. Sips of water are started the next day and solid food by day three.

  • The drain pipe, if kept, is removed in the room on day 2 after surgery.

  • The catheter is removed on day two after surgery.

  • Total hospital stay for robotic adrenalectomy is 4 nights (including night before surgery).

  • Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.

RETURN TO ACTIVITY

  • On the day of discharge, patient is totally self-sufficient. They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home. Almost all patients are back to work within 2 weeks of surgery.

  • Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after a month

FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY

  • Follow up after an adrenalectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
    Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.

  • Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consultation.

ROBOTIC SURGERY FOR BLADDER CANCER
  • Dr. Ramani is one of the very few surgeons in India who has the expertise to perform a robotic surgery for bladder cancer, which includes removing the urinary bladder and reconstructing a new bladder robotically.
  • Robotic radical cystectomy is an extremely sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications.
  • Once the anaesthesia is done, and patient positioned, six micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
  • The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
  • Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
  • On an average, a robotic radical cystectomy with an ileal conduit takes 3-4 hours.
  • The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
  • A urine catheter and bag to drain the new bladder is inserted during surgery.
  • Two tiny drain pipe in inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
  • Patient is kept nil-by-mouth for 4 days after surgery with IV supplementation of patient’s daily requirements of calories, fats, carbohydrates, proteins and electrolytes.
  • The drain pipes are removed in the room on day 3-5 after surgery.
  • Total hospital stay for radical cystectomy is 8 nights (including night before surgery).
  • Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
  • On the day of discharge, patient is totally self-sufficient. They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home.
  • Almost all patients are back to work within 6 weeks of surgery. Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after two months.
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY

  • Follow up after a radical a cystectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.

  • Histopathology report: Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.

  • Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consult. Depending on the report, patient may or may not need chemotherapy after surgery.

  • If chemo is needed, patients may choose to get it done with a medical oncologist of their choice or avail the services of one of the four medical oncologists on our team.

ROBOTIC RADICAL/PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY FOR KIDNEY CANCER
  • Robotic partial nephrectomy is a sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications. Robotic radical (total) nephrectomy is
  • relatively easier but still requires significant experience to consistently deliver results.
  • Once the anaesthesia is done, and patient positioned, five micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
  • The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
  • Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
  • On an average, a robotic radical nephrectomy takes one hour and a robotic partial nephrectomy takes about an hour and half.
  • The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
  • A urine catheter and bag to drain the bladder is inserted during surgery.
  • A tiny drain pipe in inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
  • Patient is kept nil-by-mouth the day of the surgery, with IV fluids. Sips of water are started the next day and solid food by day three.
  • The drain pipe is removed in the room on day 3 after surgery. The catheter is removed on day two after surgery.
  • Total hospital stay for radical/partial nephrectomy is 4 nights (including night before surgery).
  • Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
  • On the day of discharge, patient is totally self- sufficient. 
  • They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home. 
  • Almost all patients are back to work within 2-3 weeks of surgery.
  • Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after a month.
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
  • Follow up after a radical/partial Nephrectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
  • Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report. 
  • Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consultation.