Skin cancer can occur on the penis. While rare, awareness of this condition is important for early detection, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Types of Skin Cancer on the Penis
Several types of skin cancer can affect the penis, with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) being the most prevalent. SCC accounts for approximately 95% of all penile cancer cases. It originates in flat skin cells and grows slowly.
Another form of SCC is carcinoma in situ (CIS), sometimes referred to as Bowen’s disease when on the shaft of the penis. In CIS, cancer cells are confined to the top layers of the skin and have not spread into deeper tissues. Melanoma, a more aggressive skin cancer developing in pigment-producing cells, can also occur, though rarely. Basal cell carcinoma, a slow-growing cancer from the bottom layer of the epidermis, represents a small portion.
What Penile Skin Cancer Looks Like
Penile skin cancer often presents as visible changes to the skin. Common signs include a growth or sore that does not heal within a few weeks. These lesions may bleed and can appear as flat growths that are reddish, brownish, or bluish-brown.
The skin on the penis or foreskin might also show changes in color or texture, such as thickening. Other potential indicators include a foul-smelling discharge from under the foreskin, a rash, or small, crusty bumps. Swelling and irritation, particularly of the glans (head of the penis), may also be observed.
Factors Increasing Risk
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing penile skin cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a significant risk factor, with certain high-risk strains, particularly types 16 and 18, being implicated in about 60% of penile cancer cases. HPV is commonly spread through skin-to-skin contact, often during sexual activity.
Chronic inflammation or irritation of the penis can also elevate risk. This includes conditions like phimosis, where the foreskin is too tight to retract, which can lead to poor hygiene and the accumulation of smegma, a substance that can cause irritation. Smoking is another established risk factor, as tobacco chemicals can damage cells and weaken the immune system. Age is also a factor, with most diagnoses occurring in men over 50.
Getting a Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing penile skin cancer typically begins with a physical examination by a healthcare provider, who will look for any unusual skin changes. If suspicious areas are found, a biopsy is performed, where a small tissue sample is taken from the affected area for microscopic examination to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds, may be used to determine if the cancer has spread within the penis or to other parts of the body.
Treatment options vary depending on the cancer’s type, size, and stage. Surgical removal is a common approach, ranging from local excision to partial or total penectomy for more advanced cases. Mohs surgery, which removes cancerous layers one by one, is sometimes used for early-stage cancers to preserve healthy tissue.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, delivered externally or internally (brachytherapy), and may be used with surgery. Chemotherapy, using anti-cancer drugs, can be topical for early stages or systemic for advanced disease. Immunotherapy, which helps the body’s immune system fight cancer, is another treatment option.
Reducing Your Risk
Taking proactive steps can help minimize the risk of developing penile skin cancer. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) is a key preventive measure, as HPV infection is a major risk factor for this cancer. Practicing good personal hygiene, especially for uncircumcised individuals by regularly cleaning beneath the foreskin, helps prevent chronic irritation and inflammation.
Regular self-examinations of the penis can aid in early detection of any unusual changes, prompting timely medical attention. Addressing conditions like phimosis, which can lead to chronic irritation and infection, is also important. Quitting smoking significantly reduces overall cancer risk, including penile cancer. Seeking prompt medical evaluation for any persistent or unusual penile changes is always advisable.