Penile Cancer Treatment In Delhi
Penile cancer is a rare but serious condition that affects the tissues of the penis. Although it represents a small percentage of male cancers, early detection and proper treatment are crucial for improving survival rates and maintaining quality of life. As a highly experienced MCh Urology qualified Urologist in India, specializing in Uro-Oncology, Dr. Vijayant Govinda Gupta offers expert Penile Cancer Treatment in Delhi. With extensive experience in treating penile cancer through advanced surgical and organ-preserving techniques, Dr. Gupta ensures the best possible outcomes for his patients.
What Is Penile Cancer?
What Is Penile Cancer?
Penile cancer originates in the tissues of the penis, often beginning as abnormal growths or lesions on the skin. Most cases are squamous cell carcinomas—cancers that develop in the flat cells lining the penis. If left untreated, penile cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes, tissues, and even distant organs, making it harder to treat.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Penile Cancer
Penile cancer often starts with mild, overlooked symptoms that progress over time. Early detection is critical. Common symptoms include:
✔️ Foul-smelling discharge from the penis
✔️ Tight foreskin (phimosis)
✔️ Difficulty in urination
✔️ Swelling in the groin area
✔️ Bleeding from the penis
✔️ Pain or difficulty during intercourse
Why Is Penile Cancer Common in Delhi, India?
While penile cancer is rare globally, it has a higher incidence in certain regions, including Delhi and other parts of India. Several factors contribute to the higher prevalence in Delhi:
✅ Lack of Circumcision: Penile cancer is more common in uncircumcised men due to the accumulation of smegma, which can lead to chronic irritation and infection.
✅ HPV Infection: High rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are a major risk factor for penile cancer.
✅ Poor Hygiene: Inadequate genital hygiene increases the risk of inflammation and infection, contributing to cancer development.
✅ Smoking: Tobacco use is linked to DNA damage in penile cells, raising cancer risk.
✅ Limited Awareness: Lack of knowledge about penile cancer symptoms and risk factors leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
What Are the Risk Factors for Penile Cancer?
Understanding the risk factors for penile cancer helps in early diagnosis and prevention. Key risk factors include:
🔹 Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection – Certain strains of HPV, particularly HPV 16 and HPV 18, are strongly linked to penile cancer.
🔹 Smoking – Tobacco use increases the risk of DNA mutations and cell damage in the penis.
🔹 Poor Hygiene – Accumulation of smegma under the foreskin leads to chronic inflammation, increasing cancer risk.
🔹 Phimosis – Tight foreskin makes it difficult to maintain hygiene, leading to increased risk of infection and cancer.
🔹 Lack of Circumcision – Circumcision reduces the risk of penile cancer by improving genital hygiene and reducing HPV transmission.
🔹 Age – Penile cancer is more common in men over 50 years old.
🔹 UV Light Treatments – PUVA therapy (psoralen and ultraviolet A light) for psoriasis increases the risk of penile cancer.
Can Penile Cancer Be Prevented?
Yes, penile cancer can be prevented through a combination of proper hygiene and preventive measures:
✔️ Maintain Good Genital Hygiene – Regular cleaning under the foreskin can prevent the buildup of smegma and lower infection risk.
✔️ Consider Circumcision – ZSR Circumcision is a safe and effective procedure that can significantly reduce the risk of penile cancer.
✔️ HPV Vaccination – HPV vaccines can lower the risk of HPV-related cancers.
✔️ Quit Smoking – Reducing or quitting tobacco use lowers the risk of penile and other cancers.
How Is Penile Cancer Diagnosed?
Penile cancer is primarily a clinical diagnosis. Dr. Vijayant Govinda Gupta conducts a detailed examination and may recommend the following tests to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of cancer:
🔸 Biopsy – Tissue samples are examined under a microscope to identify cancer cells.
🔸 Imaging Tests – MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound to determine the spread of cancer to lymph nodes and nearby tissues.
🔸 Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) – FNA of enlarged lymph nodes to check for cancer spread.
Surgical Treatment Options for Penile Cancer in Delhi
Surgery is the gold standard for treating penile cancer, especially when the disease is localized. Dr. Vijayant Govinda Gupta offers advanced surgical options tailored to the patient’s condition and cancer stage:
1. Partial Penectomy – The Gold Standard Treatment
Partial penectomy involves the removal of the cancerous part of the penis while reconstructing the remaining portion to allow for urination and, in some cases, sexual function.
What to Expect After Partial Penectomy:
✅ Penis length will be reduced.
✅ Ability to pass urine while standing will be preserved.
✅ Erections may be retained, but sexual satisfaction may be reduced due to the loss of the glans.
✅ Despite functional limitations, this surgery offers the best chance for long-term cancer control.
2. Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection
If cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the groin, an inguinal lymph node dissection is necessary to prevent further metastasis.
Benefits:
✔️ Reduces the chances of cancer recurrence.
✔️ Improves overall survival rates.
✔️ Effective in preventing complications like lymphatic obstruction and swelling.
3. Glans Preserving Surgery
In cases where the cancer is limited to the glans, organ-preserving surgery may be performed to retain penile function and sensation:
- Glans Resurfacing: Removal of the affected skin with reconstruction using skin grafts.
- Mohs Surgery: Layer-by-layer removal of cancerous tissue while preserving healthy tissue.
- Laser Dermabrasion: CO2 or Nd:YAG laser is used to remove surface-level cancerous cells while preserving deeper tissues.
4. Total Penectomy
For advanced-stage penile cancer, complete removal of the penis (total penectomy) may be required to control cancer spread. A new urinary opening (perineal urethrostomy) is created below the scrotum.
Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy for Penile Cancer
While radiotherapy and chemotherapy are available for penile cancer, they are considered inferior to surgery. Dr. Vijayant Govinda Gupta recommends surgery as the primary treatment because:
❌ Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are less effective in curing penile cancer.
❌ These treatments have significant side effects, including skin damage and poor wound healing.
❌ They are generally reserved for cases where surgery is not possible or as an adjunct to surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Vijayant Govinda Gupta for Penile Cancer Treatment in Delhi?
✔️ MCh Urology Qualified Specialist – Expertise in complex urological and uro-oncological surgeries.
✔️ Experienced Surgeon – Extensive experience in treating penile cancer with high success rates.
✔️ Advanced Surgical Techniques – Use of organ-preserving and reconstructive approaches to maintain functionality and quality of life.
✔️ Comprehensive Care – From diagnosis to post-operative follow-up, Dr. Gupta offers complete care under one roof.
FAQs – Penile Cancer Treatment in Delhi
Surgery has a high success rate, especially when performed in the early stages of cancer.
It depends on the extent of surgery. Partial penectomy and glans-preserving surgery may allow some sexual function.
Surgery remains the most effective treatment. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are less effective.
