Penile Cancer

Penile cancer is a rare form of cancer that affects the tissues of the penis. The primary treatment for penile cancer is surgery. The surgical approach depends on the stage of cancer, the tumor size, and the patient’s overall health.

Before proceeding with surgery, an accurate diagnosis and staging of penile cancer are essential. The diagnosis is usually made through a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. Staging involves determining the extent of cancer’s spread, which helps guide treatment decisions.

1. Local Excision: In the early stages of penile cancer when the tumor is small and superficial, a local excision may be performed. This involves removing only the cancerous tissue and a small margin of healthy tissue around it. This procedure is suitable for small, low-grade tumors that haven’t spread beyond the surface of the skin.
2. Partial Penectomy: If the tumor is larger or has invaded deeper layers of the penis, a partial penectomy may be recommended. In this procedure, a part of the penis is removed, typically either the glans (head) or the shaft. The surgeon aims to preserve as much healthy tissue and function as possible.
3. Total Penectomy: In rare cases where cancer has spread extensively, a total penectomy may be necessary. This involves the complete removal of the penis. Total penectomy is considered a last resort when other treatments are not feasible, and the patient’s health and quality of life are severely compromised.

The spread of penile cancer often involves the nearby lymph nodes. To assess whether the cancer has reached the lymph nodes, a lymph node dissection may be performed. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the regional lymph nodes to check for cancer cells under a microscope. This information helps determine the stage of cancer and the need for further treatment.

Following partial or total penectomy, penile reconstruction is an essential aspect of the surgery to restore a functional and aesthetic appearance. There are various reconstruction techniques, including skin grafts, flaps, and penile implants. The choice of reconstruction depends on the patient’s anatomy, the extent of tissue removal, and the patient’s preferences.

For early-stage penile cancer, where lymph nodes appear normal on imaging, a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) may be performed. This procedure involves injecting a dye near the tumor, which then travels to the first (sentinel) lymph node to detect any cancer cells. If the sentinel node is cancer-free, it’s unlikely that cancer has spread to other lymph nodes, and more extensive lymph node dissection may be avoided.

In some cases, additional therapies such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells or to reduce the risk of recurrence. The decision to use adjuvant therapy depends on the cancer stage, surgical findings, and the patient’s overall health.

Recovery after penile cancer surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure performed. Patients may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medications. It’s crucial for patients to follow their doctor’s post-operative care instructions and attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing and detect any signs of recurrence or complications.

In conclusion, surgery remains the primary treatment for penile cancer, with a specific approach depending on the cancer stage, tumor size, and the patient’s overall health. Early detection and timely treatment play a significant role in achieving successful outcomes. Additionally, support from a multidisciplinary team, including urologists, oncologists, and reconstructive surgeons, is essential in providing comprehensive care for patients with penile cancer.

We provide the best healthcare facilities for Penile Cancer Surgery. Our multispecialty clinics are situated in the following locations: