Penile Cancer Treatment In Delhi
Penile cancer is a rare but serious condition that affects the skin and tissues of the penis. Although it accounts for a small percentage of male cancers, early detection and proper treatment are crucial to ensure the best outcomes. As a renowned MCh Urology qualified Urologist in India, specializing in Uro-oncology. I, Dr. Vijayant Govinda Gupta, offer comprehensive Penile Cancer Treatment In Delhi.
What Is Penile Cancer?
Penile cancer originates in the tissues of the penis, commonly starting as abnormal growths or lesions on the skin. It typically begins in the squamous cells, which are flat cells lining the penis, and can gradually spread to other parts of the body if not detected early. Penile cancer is most commonly found in older men, but it can affect individuals at any age. While it is rare in countries where male circumcision is common, it remains a significant health issue in other regions, including some parts of India.
Why Is Penile Cancer Common In Delhi, India?
Penile cancer is relatively rare, but it has a higher incidence in certain regions, including parts of India. Delhi, being a metropolitan area with a mix of rural and urban populations, has a varied prevalence of penile cancer. Some factors that contribute to the cases observed in Delhi include limited awareness about the disease, cultural practices such as the lack of circumcision, and high rates of HPV infection, which is a significant risk factor. In comparison to Western countries where penile cancer is less common due to routine circumcision and better hygiene practices, the rates are somewhat higher in India.
Dr. Vijayant Govinda Gupta has extensive experience in treating penile cancer and is one of the best choices for penile cancer treatment in Delhi, where he offers advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options for patients.
What Are The Risk Factors For Penile Cancer?
Understanding the risk factors can help in identifying those at higher risk and implementing preventive measures. Some of the most common risk factors include:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection: HPV is a sexually transmitted virus linked to multiple cancers, including penile cancer. Men infected with certain strains of HPV are at a higher risk.
- Smoking: Tobacco use can lead to changes in the DNA of cells in the penis, significantly increasing the risk of cancer.
- Poor Hygiene: In uncircumcised men, poor genital hygiene can lead to the buildup of smegma, a substance that can cause chronic irritation and inflammation, raising the risk.
- Phimosis: A condition where the foreskin is tight and difficult to retract, making it challenging to clean underneath, thereby increasing the likelihood of infection and inflammation.
- Lack of Circumcision: Circumcised men have a lower risk of penile cancer, likely due to the reduced accumulation of smegma and lower rates of HPV infection.
- Age: Although penile cancer can occur at any age, it is more common in men over 50.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Light Treatments for Psoriasis: Men who have undergone PUVA therapy (a type of UV light treatment) for psoriasis have a higher risk of developing penile cancer.
Can I Prevent Penile Cancer?
Yes, by maintaining good penile hygiene. Even a ZSR Circumcision can completely eradicate the risk of penile cancer occurrence.
What Tests Are Required To Diagnose Penile Cancer?
Penile cancer is a clinical diagnosis.
Once formed, penile cancer can look terrifying. Patients will develop symptoms like –
- FOUL SMELLING DISCHARGE
- PHIMOSIS OR TIGHT FORESKIN
- DIFFICULTY IN PEEING
- SWELLING IN GROIN
- BLEEDING
- DIFFICULTY IN INTERCOURSE
But once diagnosed, it requires urgent surgery to prevent metastasis and spread.
Some tests may be required before proceeding to treatment.
What Are The Surgical Options For Penile Cancer Treatment in Delhi, India?
Penile cancer is a disease best treated by Surgery. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are inferior and may reduce survival.
- PARTIAL PENECTOMY – GOLD STANDARD – Removal of the diseased penis and recreation of the penis.
- INGUINAL LYMPH NODE DISSECTION – Required in cases if the disease has spread to the groin.
- GLANS PRESERVING APPROACHES – Certain organ preservation approaches are gaining acceptance. Though inferior in terms of recurrence or re cancer, they provide sensation and leave the penis intact
What Is Partial Penectomy For Penile Cancer?
Partial penectomy is a surgery for the cure of penile cancer. In this surgery the involved organ of the penis is removed and the tip of the penis recreated. Because penile cancer is an aggressive cancer with very poor prognosis if it spreads, partial penectomy is the gold standard procedure for the treatment of penile cancer.
After the surgery, there are a few things to expect –
- Because the tip of the penis is removed, the penis length will become short.
- The penile length will be enough to pass urine while standing, but may not be enough for successful intercourse.
- The penis retains its erections, but as the glans and the distal part is gone, sexual satisfaction and enjoyment are lessened or absent.
Fortunately, penile cancer affects men in their old age and many men are not desirous of sex or intercourse. But, it can be a dissatisfying surgery for men with active libido.
Despite this, life is more essential than sex and partial penectomy, will ensure the best cancer control for long term.
What Are The Alternatives To Partial Penectomy?
In younger men, and even in older men, who wish to preserve ability to have sex, certain glans preserving approaches are possible. Though, they require very very close watch, and may need conversion to a formal partial penectomy when required.
Glans Preserving Approaches For Penile Cancer
- GLANSECTOMY AND HEMIGLANSECTOMY – In patients with cancer limited to only the glans or penis head, only that part may be removed and it allows the penile length and sensations to be preserved.
- Mohs microsurgery or Skin resurfacing – Only the cancerous lesion is shaved off and the penile skin reconstructed with other flaps. Allows sexual sensation
- Laser Dermabrasion – Using CO2 laser or ND Yag Laser, the penile lesion can be removed while preserving sensation and length
What About Radiotherapy And Chemotherapy For Penile Cancer?
Though advocated and recommended, I personally do not recommend radiotherapy or medicines for treatment of penile cancer. I have seen patients die due to the delay in treatment and the local side effects are terrible.
Total Penectomy
If the cancer is far advanced and no penis can be saved, it is best to remove the entire penis and make a new opening to pass urine below the scrotum (Perineal urethrostomy). This procedure provides good results. But removes the entire penis.
