Understanding the Global Rise in Penis Cancer What You Need to Know
By Dr. David Samadi
Penis cancer, though rare, is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, with experts projecting a substantial 77% rise in cases by 2050. This trend is not limited to developing nations; many European countries are experiencing heightened incidence rates, partly due to aging populations.
Risk Factors and Causes
Age remains a primary risk factor, with individuals over 50 facing heightened susceptibility. Other risk factors include phimosis (a narrowed foreskin), inadequate genital hygiene, and tobacco smoking. Notably, circumcision at birth appears to offer significant protection against this malignancy.
Penis cancer predominantly arises from squamous cells in the penile skin, accounting for over 90% of cases. Human papillomaviruses (HPV) play a crucial role, with HPV infection linked to about half of squamous cell cancer cases. HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact and is highly prevalent, affecting over 70% of sexually active adults.
HPV and Pre-Malignant Changes
HPV infections often remain asymptomatic and can clear up spontaneously over time. However, persistent infections can cause “pre-malignant changes,” altering skin texture and color on the penis. Symptoms such as painless ulcers or warts may eventually manifest, typically on the glans or under the foreskin. HPV 16, the most carcinogenic HPV type, poses a significant risk, potentially leading to malignant transformations in various tissues, including the penis.
Diagnosis and Challenges
Diagnosing penis cancer can be delayed due to stigma or embarrassment, prompting men to self-medicate instead of seeking medical attention promptly. Moreover, medical professionals may initially misclassify lesions as benign, further complicating early diagnosis. Swift intervention is critical, mainly if malignant cells have spread to the groin lymph nodes, significantly impacting treatment outcomes.
Treatment Options and Innovations
Treatment typically involves surgical removal of cancerous tissue using techniques like laser or micro-surgery, sometimes complemented by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In severe cases, partial or complete penile amputation may be necessary, albeit as a last resort. Notably, Brazil has seen a high incidence of penile amputations, highlighting regional disparities in treatment outcomes.
Recent advancements provide hope for improved therapies, including engineered T cells targeting HPV-infected cells and immunotherapies enhancing immune responses against squamous cell tumors like tislelizumab. However, their widespread efficacy and adoption in clinical settings require further exploration.
Conclusion
As cases of penis cancer continue to rise globally, early detection and effective treatment remain paramount. Addressing risk factors, promoting regular medical check-ups, and advancing therapeutic innovations are crucial steps toward reducing the impact of this potentially devastating disease.
By fostering awareness and proactive healthcare practices, we can strive to mitigate the growing incidence of penis cancer and improve outcomes for affected individuals worldwide.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.