Question 1

is there a screening test for penile cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The best screening test is self examination.  Self examination makes the diagnosis. Biopsy confirms.  Penile cancer while rare in the USA happens more commonly in men with uncircumcised penis; it is extremely rare to non-existent in men with a circumcised penis. The most effective screen is self examination. The most effective prevention is the circumcision particularly before 1 year of life.

Question 2

what are the symptoms of penile cancer?

Accepted Answer

Usually none: Penile cancer is usually asymptomatic (ie, no symptoms). It may look ulcerated and have discharge, but there is usually no pain associated with it. There may be bleeding from the tumor or look dry and without discharge.

Question 3

is penile cancer curable?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The exact treatment and chances of cure are dependent on the stage of the person's penile cancer.  Earlier stages are more likely curable than later stages of disease.  Recommended treatments also vary with the stage of the disease.

Question 4

is penile cancer as common as prostate cancer?

Accepted Answer

No: Penile cancer is very rare in the United States with only approximately 1300 new cases per year.  In contrast, prostate cancer is the most common solid organ maligancy in american men.

Question 5

what's the best treatment to get rid of penile cancer?

Accepted Answer

Surgery!: Penile cancer can be cured completely by surgery, if it is caught in time.  See a surgeon or a urologist right away!

Question 6

how does circumcision prevent developing penile cancer?

Accepted Answer

Lower HPV rates: Human papilloma virus (hpv) increases the risk of penile cancer, just like it increases the risk of cervical cancer in women.  The presence of a foreskin increases the risk for hpv infection. This is one reason circumcised men have a lower rate of penile cancer.  However, penile cancer is extremely rare, so decisions about circumcision should not be based on fear of penile cancer.

Question 7

how common is penile cancer from hpv? what are the signs and symptoms?

Accepted Answer

: It's quite rare. Usually appears as a non-healing sore or a wart-like growth. If treated promptly, always easily curable without serious surgery. Even among people with known or frequent genital HPV infection. Get prompt medical care if you develop such symptoms, otherwise nothing to worry about.

Question 8

what is your opinion about the american cancer society recommending neonatal circumcision due to penile cancer?

Accepted Answer

Not clear-"cut": This is an emotional, politicized issue. Any newborn boy may grow up to be a man who would strongly preferred to have a foreskin, and such men are not rare -- i'm all about choice. About 10% of boys need circumcision for their health. The acs is focused on cancer, with circumcision greatly decreasing the risk of a rare but devastating cancer for which a boy can now be immunized. You decide.

Question 9

is it safe to apply lotion to my penis long term? it always gets dry. i just wanna know if  long term use won't give penile cancer or something.

Accepted Answer

No worries.: Use bland emollient creams.  They won't cause cancer. PS cancer of the penis due to any cause is pretty uncommon. Recognize that some of those creams may cause deterioration of condoms and could cause unexpected breakage.

Question 10

i'm told my risk of having hpv to begin with is unlikely but i still can't stop worrying about or fearing getting penile cancer as a result of hpv.

Accepted Answer

Get vaccine: HPV vaccine is available for men also and you may wish to avail of it.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex, if you have sex.

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Doctor answers about:

Penile cancer screening

A member asked:

Is there a screening test for penile cancer?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of penile cancer?

A member asked:

Is penile cancer curable?

A member asked:

Is penile cancer as common as prostate cancer?

A member asked:

What's the best treatment to get rid of penile cancer?

A member asked:

How does circumcision prevent developing penile cancer?

A member asked:

How common is penile cancer from hpv? what are the signs and symptoms?

A member asked:

What is your opinion about the american cancer society recommending neonatal circumcision due to penile cancer?

A member asked:

Is it safe to apply lotion to my penis long term? it always gets dry. i just wanna know if long term use won't give penile cancer or something.

A member asked:

I'm told my risk of having hpv to begin with is unlikely but i still can't stop worrying about or fearing getting penile cancer as a result of hpv.

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