UROLOGY · CONDITIONS
Penile Cancer
Malignant tumour of the penis , rare but serious. Organ-sparing surgery is preferred for early disease; prognosis is determined by lymph node status.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Penile Cancer?
Penile cancer arises most commonly from the squamous epithelium of the glans or prepuce. It is strongly associated with HPV infection, phimosis, poor hygiene, and smoking. Any non-healing penile lesion must be biopsied promptly. Organ-sparing excision is the standard for T1–T2 tumours. Inguinal lymph node status is the most important prognostic factor. Dr. Vipin provides comprehensive penile cancer management , from tissue biopsy and staging to organ-sparing excision, glansectomy, or amputation with inguinal lymph node dissection , coordinated with oncology for multidisciplinary care.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- HPV infection , types 16 and 18 most implicated
- Phimosis , chronic foreskin non-retractility
- Poor genital hygiene
- Smoking , increases penile cancer risk twofold
- Lichen sclerosus (BXO) of the glans
- Immunosuppression , organ transplant patients
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Any suspicious penile lesion must be biopsied. Never treat without histological diagnosis.
Wide local excision or glansectomy for T1–T2 disease , preserves sexual function and sensation.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy for clinically node-negative (cN0) patients to detect occult nodal metastasis.
Superficial deep inguinal lymphadenectomy for clinically positive nodes , critical for survival.
HPV vaccination and circumcision significantly reduce the risk of penile cancer.
5-year survival >80% for node-negative disease. Falls significantly with inguinal node involvement.
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Wide Local Excision / Glansectomy
Organ-sparing excision of the primary penile tumour with adequate surgical margins, or formal glansectomy with reconstruction , preserving the penis while achieving oncological clearance for T1–T2 localised disease.
- 1
Biopsy & Staging
Tissue biopsy confirms squamous cell carcinoma. MRI penis assesses depth of invasion. CT staging excludes distant metastases.
- 2
Organ-Sparing Surgery
Wide local excision, glansectomy, or laser ablation for T1 disease. Reconstruction of the glans surface with split skin graft or local flap.
- 3
Lymph Node Management
Sentinel lymph node biopsy for cN0 patients. Modified inguinal lymphadenectomy for sentinel node-positive or cN patients.
- 4
Oncology Coordination
High-stage disease discussed in multidisciplinary team , chemotherapy or radiation considered for node-positive or locally advanced cases.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Wide Local Excision / Glansectomy
Organ-sparing tumour excision with margin , preserves the penile shaft for T1–T2 tumours confined to the glans or prepuce.
Partial Penectomy
Amputation of the distal penis with a 2 cm clear margin , for T2 tumours not amenable to glans-sparing surgery.
Total Penectomy + Perineal Urethrostomy
Complete penile amputation for extensive proximal tumours , perineal urethrostomy fashioned for sitting micturition.
Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection (Superficial Deep)
Bilateral superficial and deep inguinal lymphadenectomy for pathological or clinically involved groin nodes , critical determinant of survival.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked
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