Understanding the Risks and Symptoms of Penile Cancer

Cancerous cells are abnormal cells that grow in an uncontrolled manner. Eventually, the mass of abnormal cells can form a tumor. Cancerous cells can also spread well beyond their point of origin, making treatment more complicated and less likely to result in a favorable outcome. For these reasons, it’s important for men to understand their risk factors of cancers such as penile cancer, which originates at the penis. Another cornerstone of being a proactive patient is learning to recognize the potential signs of a urology health issue and seeking medical evaluations promptly.

Risk Factors

Risk factors can refer to anything that raises the risk of developing a certain disease. It’s important to bear in mind that having one or more risk factors of penile cancer does not mean that this cancer will definitely develop. Similarly, it’s possible to develop penile cancer without having risk factors for it. That said, knowing your risk factors can be helpful because this knowledge may guide your lifestyle choices and medical care. Smoking, for example, is one risk factor of penile cancer. Penile cancer is also associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, HIV/AIDS infection, and a combination treatment for psoriasis that involves a medication and UV light treatment. Men who are uncircumcised are also at a higher risk of penile cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

If any unusual changes of the reproductive organs are noted, it’s advisable to seek a medical evaluation. Even if these abnormalities are not caused by penile cancer, they may be indicative of another medical condition that requires treatment. Men with penile cancer will most often notice changes in the skin on the penis, usually on the tip, but sometimes on the shaft. A lump, reddish rash, bleeding sore, and thickened or discolored skin could indicate penile cancer. Other signs include small bumps, bluish-brown growths, and swelling. If cancer has already begun to spread, the lymph nodes in the groin area may become swollen.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is devastating, but there is specialized cancer treatment available in Nashville. At Urology Associates, P.C., our urology team is committed to applying the latest medical technology and techniques to support optimal outcomes for our patients. Patients diagnosed with penile, testicular, or prostate cancer can contact us at 888-245-0702 to request a consult.