Did you know your ethnicity can also influence your chances of getting cancer? While penile cancer is rare in North America and Europe, it is much more common in some parts of Asia, Africa, and South America.
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Read on!
What Is Penile Cancer?
Penile cancer is cancer of the male reproductive part, the penis. It occurs when the cells of the penis start dividing and growing uncontrollably. It often starts in skin cells and can work its way inside. Generally, in penile cancer, a lump of cancerous cells called a tumor can form in any part of the penis.
Depending upon the cells where the cancer started, the types of penile cancer are:
- Squamous cell or epidermoid carcinoma: This accounts for 95% of all incidences of penile cancer. It usually begins on or under your foreskin but can also appear on other areas of your penis.
- Sarcoma: These cancers form in blood vessels, muscle, and fat tissues.
- Melanoma: This is a cancer that starts in the cells that give your skin colour.
- Basal cell carcinoma: These cancers start deep in your skin. They grow slowly and aren’t likely to spread to other areas of your body.
What Are The Causes Of Penile Cancer?
Scientists are not exactly aware of what causes penile cancer. But they know that DNA changes trigger the onset of penile cancer, but what leads to those changes in the DNA is still unknown. Oncologists are still studying all the cancer cases to understand the cause better.
Two major factors contribute towards the onset of penile cancer – smoking and drinking. When burned, cigarettes create more than 7,000 chemicals. At least 69 chemicals are known to cause cancer, and many are toxic.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Penile Cancer?
Changes in the skin of the penis are the most common symptom of penile cancer. They can be found on the foreskin of uncircumcised men, the penis tip (the glans), or the shaft. The skin on your penis may become discoloured, and you may notice a lump.
Other symptoms are:
- A painless lump or sore (that may bleed).
- Swelling and irritation, especially in the head of your penis (balanitis).
- Skin thickening or changing skin colour.
- Flat growths that look blueish-brown.
- Foul-smelling discharge underneath your foreskin.
- Small, crusty bumps.
- Rash.
What Are The Stages Of Penile Cancer?
While a biopsy is done to confirm the presence of cancer in a person’s body, imaging tests like CT scans and MRIs are done to identify the cancer stage. The staging of penile cancer is done based on the size of a tumour and how much it’s spread throughout your body. This allows them to classify how serious the cancer is and accordingly guide treatment decisions.
Penile cancer is staged using the TNM staging system. Each letter provides unique information about your cancer. The stages are:
- T stage (Tumor): It provides information on whether a tumour has been formed and how much it has grown into your penis.
- N stage (Lymph nodes): It shows whether your lymph nodes have become infected. If yes, then information is taken on which all lymph nodes have been infected.
- M stage (Metastasize): It provides information on the spread of cancer to other organs. If yes, then it’s noted that all organs have been affected.
What Are The Risk Factors Of Penile Cancer?
A risk factor may not cause cancer but can increase the chances of the onset of cancer. The risk factors of penile cancer are:
- Smoking
- Age of over 60 years
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- No circumcision. Fluids and a thick buildup called smegma can collect under your foreskin and might make cancer growth more likely.
- A condition called phimosis makes your foreskin tight and tough to clean, leading to fluid buildup.
- Psoralen and ultraviolet (UV) light (PUVA) for treating psoriasis.
- Lichen sclerosis is an inflammatory disorder causing the head of your penis or foreskin to feel painful, irritated or itchy.
- Poor hygiene
How To Diagnose Penile Cancer?
Your healthcare provider will first discuss your medical history with you. This will help them in assessing the overall situation at hand. Secondly, they will conduct a physical examination to know the condition of your penis. This information can help your healthcare provider determine whether the changes likely result from cancer or a more common cause like an infection or allergic reaction.
The ascertain the presence of cancer, your healthcare provider may suggest the following tests:
- Biopsy: It is a diagnostic test to check the presence of cancer. The doctor collects a small skin tissue sample from the foreskin and checks the sample under a microscope to look for cancer cells.
- Imaging tests: These tests, like CT, MRI, or PET scans, are done to ascertain the extent of cancer’s spread in a person’s body.
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Penile Cancer Treatment In India
Penile cancer treatment in India depends on the stage of cancer. If your cancer is in the early stages, your treatment may include:
- Medicated creams like fluorouracil and imiquimod.
- Circumcision
- Laser ablation to cut and destroy cancer-infested tumours
- Cryotherapy to destroy tumours via cold.
- Mohs surgery, where cancerous skin is removed layer-by-layer till healthy tissue arrives
- Excision, where a tumour is cut from the penis to stop the spread of cancer
If your cancer is further along or more likely to spread, you might also have the following:
Adjuvant therapies
- Radiation therapy: High-energy X-ray beams are used to destroy cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Certain drugs are used to destroy or slow down the growth of cancer cells. It is commonly used as an oral or intravenous therapy, circling throughout the body to reach cancer cells.
Surgical Therapies
- Penectomy: It is a surgical procedure where parts of your penis (partial penectomy) or the whole penis (total penectomy) are removed via surgery, depending on the extent of the cancer.
- Lymphadenectomy: It is a surgical procedure where lymph nodes around your groin area are removed due to cancer infestation.
In many cases, adjuvant therapies are given before surgery to shrink the size of the tumor.
Penile Cancer Treatment Cost In India
The cost of penile cancer treatment in India ranges from $6000 to $7000, depending on the cancer stage and its extent of spread.
Top Penile Cancer Treatment Hospitals In India
There are many top penile cancer treatment hospitals in India. These hospitals house the best urologists from the length and breadth of the country. Moreover, these hospitals are known for their state-of-the-art medical equipment and personalized palliative care. GoMedii has compiled a list of top penile cancer treatment hospitals in India for you to get hassle-free treatment.
The hospitals are:
- Sri Ramchandra Medical Center, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Gleneagles Global Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Batra Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Delhi
- Fortis Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Venkateshwar Hospital, Delhi
- Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Paschim Vihar, Delhi
- Care Institue of Medical Sciences, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Nanavati Super Specialty Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Medanta The Medicity, Gurugram, Haryana
Click here to book an appointment and get one step closer to your affordable penile cancer treatment in India!
FAQs on Penile Cancer Treatment in India
1. How much does penile cancer treatment cost?
The cost of penile cancer treatment in India ranges from $6000 to $7000, depending on the cancer stage and its extent of spread.
2. Is penile cancer completely curable?
Penile cancer treatment in India exhibits high cure rates with early diagnosis. Early-stage cases are often effectively treated using minimally invasive procedures. Advanced cases, however, may necessitate more comprehensive treatments like surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy drugs.
3. What is the cost of a Penile biopsy in India?
The penile biopsy cost in India ranges from $200 to $300.
Choose GoMedii For The Best Penile Cancer Treatment In India
If you are looking for affordable Penile Cancer Treatment In India, you are at the right place and time! Trust GoMedii with your treatment; we assure you of a top-notch, hassle-free process.
We have tie-ups with one of India’s most reputed hospitals to get you the best treatment at an affordable cost. Furthermore, to avail of our packages, you can contact us on our “Website” and WhatsApp (+91 9599004311) or call us at 9599004311). Additionally, you can also email us at connect@gomedii.com. Our team will respond to you on a priority basis.
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