Penile Cancer
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
Penile cancer forms in or on the penis. Most penile cancers are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). SCC is a slow growing cancer that usually does not spread. Penile cancer can develop in males of any age but is most common in those 55 years or older.
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WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
An IV
is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
You may need extra oxygen
if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. You may get oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils. Ask your healthcare provider before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing.
Medicines:
- Pain medicine may be given. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you ask for more medicine.
- Steroids may be needed to decrease swelling.
- Antibiotics may be needed to treat a bacterial infection.
Tests:
- A biopsy may be used to take a sample of the cancer. A sample of lymph nodes may also be taken to see if they contain cancer cells.
- MRI or x-ray pictures may show if your cancer has spread. You may be given contrast liquid to help healthcare providers see the pictures better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
- CT, PET, or ultrasound pictures may be used to find the stage of the cancer. This will help your healthcare provider plan your treatment.
Treatment:
- Immunotherapy helps your immune system fight the cancer. Some forms of immunotherapy may help your immune system recognize cancer cells more easily.
- Ablation may be used to reduce blood flow to the tumor. Ablation may be done with radio waves, lasers, or light. Medicine may instead be injected near the tumor.
- Chemotherapy is medicine used to shrink or kill cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy is used to kill cancer cells with high-energy x-ray beams. You may receive radiation therapy from outside your body or from small beads or rods placed inside your penis.
- Surgery may be used to remove the tumor. Some lymph nodes may also be removed to prevent the spread of cancer cells. Cryosurgery may be used to freeze and kill cancer cells. Circumcision surgery may be needed to remove your foreskin. If other treatments do not work or cancer keeps coming back, your provider may talk to you about penectomy. This is surgery to remove part or all of your penis. Your provider can give you more information about this surgery.
RISKS:
Cancer may spread or come back.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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