What Causes Penis Cancer? A Closer Look at the Underlying Factors
By Dr. Anup Ramani
Penile cancer, although rare, is a serious condition that can significantly impact physical health and psychological well-being. Affecting the skin and tissues of the penis, this disease demands early recognition and awareness of risk factors to enable timely Penis Cancer treatment. While advancements in Penis Cancer Surgery have improved outcomes, understanding its causes remains central to prevention.
This article delves into the contributing factors behind penile cancer, providing essential insights for individuals seeking information about this disease, especially those considering Penis Cancer treatment in India.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection
HPV is a well-established cause of several cancers, including penile cancer. High-risk strains such as HPV 16 and 18 are implicated in nearly half of all penile cancer cases.
- HPV spreads through sexual contact.
- Persistent infection leads to precancerous changes in penile tissue.
- Lack of HPV vaccination among men remains a key vulnerability.
Vaccination for boys and young men offers substantial protection and is a recommended preventive measure by many healthcare professionals.
Poor Genital Hygiene and Phimosis
Hygiene plays a vital role in the prevention of penile cancer, especially in uncircumcised men.
- Phimosis, where the foreskin cannot be fully retracted, can trap secretions and debris.
- Accumulated smegma may irritate the skin and lead to chronic inflammation.
- Long-standing inflammation contributes to cell damage, increasing cancer risk.
Regular and thorough cleaning under the foreskin is essential and circumcision – particularly in infancy – has been associated with reduced incidence.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Tobacco introduces carcinogens into the bloodstream, weakening the immune system and promoting chronic inflammation.
- Smokers have higher rates of penile cancer.
- Tobacco can impair the body’s ability to clear HPV infections.
- Quitting smoking significantly lowers the risk of developing penile and other cancers.
Public health initiatives in India emphasize tobacco cessation as a cornerstone of cancer prevention.
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Age and Compromised Immune Function
The risk of penile cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in men over 50. However, it is not exclusive to older adults.
- Immunocompromised individuals are at increased risk.
- Immunity plays a key role in clearing infections and controlling abnormal cell growth.
Routine screening and proactive management are essential in high-risk groups, especially in patients with immunosuppression.
Chronic Inflammation and Skin Conditions
Persistent skin conditions or chronic infections may increase the likelihood of malignant transformation.
- These conditions can alter skin integrity and cellular structure.
- Chronic irritation from untreated conditions should not be ignored.
- Dermatological consultation is advised for persistent penile skin issues.
Early intervention may prevent progression to malignancy and reduce the need for radical interventions such as Penis Cancer Surgery.
Preventive Measures and Awareness
Preventing penile cancer involves lifestyle adjustments and medical interventions:
- HPV Vaccination: Offers protection against key cancer-causing strains.
- Safe Sexual Practices: Reduces the risk of HPV and other infections.
- Tobacco Cessation: Eliminates a key carcinogenic factor.
- Hygiene Education: Encourages regular cleaning to prevent chronic irritation.
- Routine Screenings: Early detection enhances success in Penis Cancer treatment.
Men in high-risk groups or those with persistent penile symptoms should consult a qualified Penis Cancer Surgeon for evaluation.
Penis Cancer Treatment Options
When diagnosed early, penile cancer is treatable with favorable outcomes. Treatment choices include:
- Topical therapy for early-stage or pre-cancerous lesions.
- Partial or total penectomy: Surgical removal of affected tissue. A partial penectomy preserves urinary and sexual function where feasible.
- Radiation or chemotherapy: Used in advanced or metastatic cases.
Dr. Anup Ramani’s modern method approaches as Penis Cancer treatment in Mumbai emphasize organ-preserving surgery and function retention whenever possible.
Conclusion
While penile cancer is uncommon, its impact can be profound. Understanding its causes – especially modifiable risk factors such as HPV infection, poor hygiene, smoking and immune suppression – plays a critical role in prevention. Informed decisions regarding vaccination, hygiene and lifestyle can significantly reduce risk.
Early detection leads to more effective Penis Cancer treatment and preserves quality of life. Whether seeking Penis Cancer treatment in India or simply aiming to stay informed, knowledge of these underlying causes empowers men to take control of their health.
FAQs About Penis Cancer Treatment
What are the early symptoms of penile cancer?
Common symptoms include changes in skin color, thickened skin, sores or ulcers on the penis, unusual discharge or a lump. These signs should prompt immediate medical evaluation.
Can circumcision prevent penile cancer?
Circumcision, especially when performed in infancy, can reduce the risk by preventing conditions like phimosis and improving hygiene. However, it does not guarantee complete protection.
Is penile cancer linked to sexually transmitted infections?
Yes, particularly HPV. Persistent HPV infection is a significant risk factor for penile cancer, making vaccination and safe sexual practices important.
What are the main treatment options for penile cancer?
Treatment depends on the stage but may include topical treatments, partial or total penectomy and radiation or chemotherapy. Organ-preserving approaches are considered when appropriate.
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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
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Robotic adrenalectomy is a sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications.
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Once the anesthesia is done, and patient positioned, three micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
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The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
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Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
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On an average, a robotic adrenalectomy takes one hour.
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The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
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A urine catheter and bag to drain the bladder is inserted during surgery.
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A tiny drain pipe may be inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
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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.
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The drain pipe, if kept, is removed in the room on day 2 after surgery.
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The catheter is removed on day two after surgery.
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Total hospital stay for robotic adrenalectomy is 4 nights (including night before surgery).
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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.