What is penile cancer?
A penile tumor is an extremely rare malignant cancer. In Switzerland, around 70 men are diagnosed with the disease every year. The cancerous growths usually develop on the glans and the foreskin. They can spread to your erectile tissue and extend to your abdominal wall. In most cases, it is a tumor of the skin, known as squamous cell carcinoma. However, other types of skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma (white skin cancer) or melanoma (black skin cancer) are also possible. At the time of diagnosis, 40 percent of patients are already 75 years old or older. Penile cancer develops slowly and only forms metastases at an advanced stage. However, it is often only recognized late.
There is a connection between foreskin sebum (smegma) and penile cancer. Penile cancer is less common among members of religions in which boys’ foreskins are circumcised. In contrast, phimosis, the narrowed foreskin that makes hygiene difficult, is a risk factor for penile cancer. This also applies to infection with human papillomavirus and smoking.
Testicular and Penile Tumor Center
At the USZ, numerous specialist departments have joined forces to form a testicular and penile tumor center. The center is certified according to the guidelines of the German Cancer Society (DKG). A team of experts specializing in the medical treatment of penile cancer works closely together here for the benefit of our patients. At DKG-certified centers, patients are treated according to strict quality criteria and, according to current studies, have a better chance of survival on average.
Symptoms: Often inconspicuous at first
The symptoms of penile cancer are not characteristic, especially in the early stages. Men do not initially suspect a serious illness behind it. The following signs may indicate a tumor on the penis:
- Changes appear on the glans or foreskin, which itch, ooze and become inflamed. Later, lumps, hardenings or ulcers form.
- You feel burning and stinging under the foreskin.
- There is foul-smelling discharge or bleeding from the penis.
- The skin lesions expand, show a cauliflower-like surface and bleed easily.
- You feel tired, exhausted and lose weight.
- If the penile cancer metastasizes to the lymph nodes, this sometimes leads to lymph congestion in the legs, causing them to swell.
Penile cancer: Diagnosis with us
The first step is a consultation with us, during which we will ask you in detail about your symptoms (medical history). During the subsequent physical examination, we look for changes and abnormalities in your penis. We will also palpate your lymph nodes and check whether they are swollen. We use a tissue sample to determine whether cancer cells are present.
If penile carcinoma is indeed present, further examinations will follow. They clarify whether the tumor has metastasized to lymph nodes or other organs. Imaging procedures such as ultrasound, computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or positron emission tomography (PET/CT or PET/MR) are used.
The earlier the tumor is discovered, the better the chances of recovery (70 to 90 percent).
Second opinion for penile cancer
When a cancer diagnosis is made, a second medical opinion is an important decision-making tool. The Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich supports you with a professional expert opinion. They receive a thorough analysis of the situation as well as personal advice and quick answers to their questions.
Penile cancer: prevention, early detection, prognosis
You can prevent penile cancer through careful hygiene. Wash your penis daily and thoroughly remove the foreskin sebum (smegma). If you have a foreskin that is too tight so that you cannot pull it back far enough, this can make hygiene more difficult. In this case, you should have the foreskin removed by us in a minor operation, circumcision.
As infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is a risk factor, vaccination is advisable from an early age.
Early detection and prognosis of penile carcinoma
If you notice any skin changes or discharge on your penis, visit us in good time. In addition, health insurance companies in Switzerland pay for a cancer screening of the external genital organs and prostate for men aged 45 and over. Take advantage of this and let us show you how you can examine the penis yourself for abnormalities so that you can detect changes promptly.
The course of penile cancer (penile carcinoma) depends on the time of diagnosis, because the earlier the tumor is detected and treated accordingly, the better the chances of recovery.
Penile cancer: surgery as first choice treatment
In the case of penile carcinoma, surgery is the most important treatment method. The earlier treatment is carried out, the better the chances of recovery. At an advanced stage, palliative care can be involved to optimize symptoms.