Cancer of the penis

Alternative names:

penile cancer

Treatment:

Treatment for penile cancer varies depending on the location and degree of involvement of the tumor.

CHEMOTHERAPY
Chemotherapy may be used in addition to surgical excision (cutting out and removing) of the penile tumor. Bleomycin is usually the chemotherpy drug of choice for treating penile cancer.

You will usually be hospitalized for the first few doses of chemotherapy to monitor for possible side effects. Most people receive their chemotherapy (after the initial dose) on an outpatient basis at a clinic or physician's office. Possible side effects are numerous and specific to the specific chemotherapy drug.

SURGERY:
If the tumor is limited to a small lesion on the area near the tip of the penis, a partial penectomy (removal of a portion of the penis) may be performed. This procedure is performed using gerneral anesthesia. The cancerous portion of the penis is removed leaving a penile stump. The person is usually able to urinate as usual after this procedure.

A total penectomy with creation of a urethrostomy (new urethral opening created in the perineal area) is often necessary when the tumor is more advanced. This procedure is performed using general anesthesia.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES:
It is recommended that you discuss your fears and concerns regarding sexual funciton and body image prior to surgery. Urination and sexual function can often be maintained even when a significant portion of the penis is removed. Additionally, the stress associated with diagnosis and treatment of penile cancer can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See support group - cancer.

RADIATION THERAPY
A course of radiation therapy is often recommended in conjunciton with surgical removal of localized and non-metastatic tumors. A common method of radiation therapy, external beam therapy, is performed in the hospital, usually on an outpatient basis, by specially trained radiation therapists. Prior to treatment, a therapist will mark the location that is to be radiated with a special semi-permanent marking pen. The external beam radiation therapy is delivered to the penis using a device that resembles a normal x-ray machine. The treatment itself is generally painless, however, there are several side effects associated with radiation therapy. Possible side effects include loss of appetite, fatigue, skin reactions such as redness and irritation, rectal burning or injury, cystitis (inflamed bladder), and hematuria (blood in urine). External beam radiation therapy is usually performed 5 days a week for 6 to 8 weeks.

Support groups:

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome can be good with early diagnosis and treatment. The 5 year survival rate for penile cancers is 65%. Urination and sexual function can often be maintained even when a significant portion of the penis is removed.

Complications:

Cancer of the penis frequently spreads to other parts of the body (metastasizes) early in the course of the disease.

Calling your health care provider:

Call the health care provider if symptoms occur that are suggestive of cancer of the penis.