What Does Penile Cancer Look Like​

Understanding how Penile Cancer looks and develops can notify people of the occurring symptoms of Penile Cancer. Having this knowledge can prompt earlier diagnosis, and an earlier diagnosis of Penile Cancer is critical, as the outcome and quality of treatment is significantly improved.

It can be scary to hear of Penile Cancer, and though it is a rare cancer, it is important to know that it is not very advanced when it develops. The early symptoms of Penile Cancer are usually mistaken as skin irritations or as infections.

What Is Penile Cancer?

When talking about Penile Cancer, we are talking about the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells in the Penis. This cancer can proliferate in any of the tissues of the Penis, though it commonly begins in the cell in the glans (head of the Penis) or beneath the foreskin in men that have not been circumcised.

Though it is not that common when compared to other cancers, it can be that serious. It is often diagnosed in men after the age of 50, however men in their 20s and 30s can also develop it. If there are no pain symptoms, many men will ignore it and it should be noted that this healthcare negligence can allow the cancer to progress.

What Does Penile Cancer Look Like: Signs to Know

The changes to the body that occur due to Penile Cancer are not uniform. Because of this, many patients will ask, “How does Penile Cancer look like?” to get a better understanding. Doctors are able to identify a handful of symptoms that serve as early warning signs for the development of Penile Cancer.

Some men find that small lumps or bumps form on their penis and never go away. Others have sores, ulcers, or patches with abnormal skin that may appear red, bluish brown, or white, and the affected skin may become thickened or crusty.

Here are five signs that may indicate penile cancer:

• A lump or growth (of any size) that persists on the penis.
• A sore that is not healing after a few weeks.
• A change in the color or texture of the skin.
• Bleeding or discharge that is not normal.
• Swelling in the penis or in the groin lymph nodes.

While changes in the skin or growths may not indicate cancer, any persistent symptom should be evaluated by a doctor.

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Alterations to the skin on the Glans and Foreskin

The glans and foreskin are the most common areas for the development of penile cancer. Changes in these areas are the most frequently overlooked because they are the most similar to skin irritation or infection.

Some men may notice a patch that is smooth to the touch and a bright red color. Other men may notice an area that is thickened and may be different in texture from the surrounding tissue. Small growths that are similar to warts may form, and begin to crust over and increase in size.

Most men assume these changes are temporary and will go away on their own. If a persistent patch is formed, and skin care and treatment of the area are practiced, then a medical consultation should be pursued.

Penile Cancer and Changes in Texture and Color

The most common early signs of penile cancer are changes in texture and color.

The skin may roughen and develop scales, and may thicken. Some lesions may be firm to the touch, but some may be moist and/or ulcerated. Colors of lesions may be a wide spectrum, including bright red, dark brown, bluish, and/or white.

Some lesions may easily bleed with even minor contact. Some men also report odor and/or discharge.

Even though a skin infection or inflammatory condition may be the cause of similar symptoms, persistent changes should always be concerning. The greater the length of time the abnormal lesion persists, the greater the likelihood of cancer.

Identifying Penile Cancer

Identifying penile cancer relies on recognizing abnormal changes. The best way to do this is through consistent self-examination. This also helps men understand the baseline of the normal appearance of their penis.

Consider the following:

– Appearances of bumps or lesions.

– Lesions with a lack of healing.

– Lesions with skin thickening.

– Lesions with bleeding despite injury.

– Lesions with persistent discoloration.

– Lesions with swelling including the groin.

– Discharge that is under the for skin with a foul odor.

Make an appointment with a doctor if symptoms are persistent for greater than two weeks. If detected early, the treatment of cancer that is located on the penis is successful.

Risk Factors and the Staging of Penile Cancer

There are many ways for penile cancer to potentially be developed.

One of the biggest concerning factors is getting an HPV infection. Smoking is also a concern. The chemicals in smoking can also damage cells in the body. Some other factors can include constant inflammation, poor genital hygiene, and having a weak immune system.

The disease usually starts to develop over time. The first sign can be a small patch of abnormal skin. This can slowly grow to an abnormal growth in a lesion. If they don’t seek treatment, the cancer can spread to the surrounding tissues and can spread to the lymph nodes eventually.

That is why the importance of treatment is stressed so much. The disease can be so much easier to treat if it is at an early stage.

Looking first at the duration of the abnormality can help in the early detection of penile cancer.

Some useful examples of this include:

• A lesion that is continually growing
• Chronic skin discoloration
• Chronic bleeding
• Unexplained tenderness
• Chronic swelling of the lymph nodes

This can also aid in treatment and help remove the disease so much sooner.

The first step to a diagnosis of penile cancer is a physical examination. The doctor has to do a thorough inspection of the area in question. This is also the time to explain the symptoms and other relevant factors.

If we suspect cancer, the next step is typically a biopsy, where we extract a small tissue sample for analysis under a microscope. To evaluate cancer’s staging, imaging tests like ultrasound and CTs or MRIs may be conducted.

We consider the cancer’s staging and location when determining the course of treatment.

We may include some of the following:

• Removal of the tumor via surgery.
• Laser therapy for nascent lesions.
• Exposure to radiative energy.
• The administration of cancer treatment drugs.
• In a few select cases, treatment to stimulate the immune response.

Remaining functional after therapy is important, so our focus is on cancer removal.

You can consult your Baptist Health Provider about Penile Cancer

When it comes to your health, you should never feel embarrassed about anything concerning you. Remember that doctors spend much of their careers evaluating patient concerns and recognize the severity of issues that may need timely intervention.

Even if it is a harmless skin condition, you will have your mind put to rest obtaining a professional second opinion. In addition, therapy options for less advanced cases are typically more effective and less invasive.

Bottom Line

In more advanced cases, Penile Cancer will manifest as a visible ulcer. It may also present with a change in the pigmentation or texture of the skin on the penis. Less serious conditions may present with similar signs. Because of that, they are often ignored, however, it is critical that any unexplained skin changes or bleeding that are persisting be evaluated by a medical professional.

Early detection of an illness greatly increases the chances of successful treatment; the positive aspect of this is while caring for your body, and the changes it goes through, the chances are better that any fine details will not be overlooked.