Penile Cancer

Cancerous penile tumors are relatively rare but can be serious. Penile cancer primarily involves the skin and the tissues of the penis, often originating from squamous cells.

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Symptoms

Symptoms usually start as a growth and may be small, painless, and appear as a change in the color or texture of the skin, such as a wart-like growth or an ulcer. As the cancer progresses, it may cause noticeable symptoms such as painful sores, bleeding, or discharge. Individuals with penile cancer may also experience swelling, lumps, or changes in the shape of the penis, and in some cases, there may be difficulty with urination or painful erections. If the cancer spreads, it can involve nearby lymph nodes, leading to swelling of the groin and other more serious complications.

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Risk Factors

Risk factors for penile cancer include HPV infection (especially types 16 and 18), being uncircumcised (leading to poor hygiene and inflammation), and smoking, which weakens the immune system. Chronic irritation or conditions like phimosis, and a weakened immune system (e.g., HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressive meds), increase risk. Regular screening, safe sexual practices, and early detection are essential for reducing risk and improving treatment outcomes.

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Subtypes of

Penile Cancer

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
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Penile SCC is the most common type of penile cancer, accounting for approximately 95% of cases. It originates from the squamous epithelial cells lining the surface of the penis.

Subtypes:

  • Warty (Verrucous) SCC
  • Basaloid SCC
  • Keratinizing SCC
  • Non-Keratinizing SCC
  • Undifferentiated Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Penile Melanoma
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Melanoma of the penis is a rare but aggressive tumor that arises from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin. This form of cancer typically presents as a dark-colored lesion or nodule on the skin of the penis.

Subtypes:

  • Superficial Spreading Melanoma
  • Nodular Melanoma
Verrucous Carcinoma (VC)
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Verrucous carcinoma is a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma, often described as a low-grade, well-differentiated form of cancer. It can be considered a type of SCC but is distinct due to its warty, slow-growing appearance.

Subtypes:

  • Localized Verrucous Carcinoma
  • Invasive Verrucous
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
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Basal cell carcinoma is a skin cancer that generally occurs on the sun-exposed areas of the body, but rarely, it can affect the penis. It is generally slow-growing and has a low risk of metastasis.

Subtypes:

  • Nodular BCC
  • Superficial BCC
  • Morpheaform BCC
Penile Sarcomas
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Penile sarcomas are rare, aggressive tumors originating from mesenchymal tissue, such as blood vessels, connective tissue, or smooth muscle cells. They are less common than carcinomas but are important due to their rapid growth and potential for metastasis.

Subtypes:

  • Leiomyosarcoma
  • Kaposi Sarcoma
  • Angiosarcoma
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma
Penile Adenocarcinoma
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Penile adenocarcinoma is a rare form of cancer that arises from glandular tissues. It is usually more aggressive than squamous cell carcinoma and tends to involve deeper layers of the penis.

Subtypes:

  • Signet Ring Cell Adenocarcinoma
  • Mucinous Adenocarcinoma
Metastatic Tumors to the Penis
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In addition to primary penile tumors, metastatic tumors from other organs can spread to the penis. These often come from cancers of the prostate, bladder, or rectum.

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Disclaimer: This list provides a comprehensive overview of some of the most common cancerous solid tumors, including theirtypes, subtypes, symptoms and risk factors. However, it is important to note that this list may not capture everypossible tumor type and subtype within this category. Cancer research is continually evolving, and new types andsubtypes may emerge over time. For a complete and personalized understanding of a cancer type or sub-type,individuals should consult medical professionals or oncologists. This information is intended for educationalpurposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis.