Penile Cancer in Charleston, SC
While penile cancer is rare, it demands specialized care and attention. Our dedicated team of urologists are committed to delivering the highest quality treatment, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients. Schedule an appointment with one of our skilled urologists today.
What is penile cancer?
On or in the penis is where penile cancer first appears. When cells start to multiply uncontrollably, cancer develops. Penile cancer is a malignant growth on the skin or in the tissues of your penis.
How common is penile cancer?
About 1 in 100,000 men in the U.S. are diagnosed with penile cancer each year. Your lifetime risk is about 1 in 1,400. Age is a factor. It is rare before age 50, and about 80% of men diagnosed are over 55.
A study done by Cancer.net stated that in the United States, 2,070 persons are anticipated to receive a penile cancer diagnosis this year. Less than 1% of men with cancer in the United States are diagnosed with penile cancer.
What are the symptoms of penile cancer?
If you are at a high risk for developing penile cancer be aware of any changes or symptoms such as:
- a growth or sore on the penis that doesn’t heal within 4 weeks
- bleeding from the penis or from under the foreskin
- a foul-smelling discharge
- thickening of the skin of the penis or foreskin that makes it difficult to draw back the foreskin (phimosis)
- a change in the colour of the skin of the penis or foreskin
- a rash on the penis
Stages of penile cancer
Like all cancers, it proceeds in stages and can spread to other parts of your body. The earlier you detect penile cancer, the better your chance of recovery.
- Stage 0: the surface of the penis has abnormal cells or growths that look like warts.
- Stage I: Cancerous cells have formed and spread to connective tissues under the skin of the penis.
- Stage II: Cancer has spread to the connective tissues under the surface of the penis. It may also have spread to lymph nodes, erectile tissue or the urethra.
- Stage III: The cancer has spread outside the penis to lymph nodes in the groin. It has also spread to connective tissue, erectile tissue, the urethra or more lymph nodes outside the groin.
- Stage IV: The cancer has spread beyond the penis to tissues near the penis, such as the prostate. It has also spread to one or more lymph nodes in the pelvis or other areas of the body.
How do you treat penile cancer?
Depending on the stage at discovery, Urologists treat penile cancer with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or biological therapy. Surgery accompanied by radiation is most common.
Treat Your Penile Cancer at Lowcountry Urology Clinics Today!
The physicians at Lowcountry Urology Clinics of Charleston SC have the tools, knowledge and experience to detect and treat your penile cancer. Early detection and swift action is key, so contact us right away!