Penile cancer

In industrialised countries is uncommon with an overall incidence less than 1 every 100000 males. There are areas in Europe, south America (Brazil), India and Africa (Uganda) with higher incidence. The incidence increases with the age (peak in the sixth decade). In areas where HPV has high prevalence, penile cancer is more common.

The recognised risk factors for penile cancer are, phimosis, chronic penile inflammation, smoking, HPV infection, low socio-economic status, unmarried, multiple sexual partners and early age of first sexual intercourse. Circumcision reduces the incidence of penile cancer.

The common finding is a lesion usually on the foreskin or the glans penis like an erythema, ulceration, small nodule, exophytic growth or simple area of induration. Unfortunately patients often delay more than a year to seek for medical advice.

Treatment: Radical or partial penectomy that sometimes should be followed by radiotherapy and or chemotherapy.