What is a Penectomy?

Penectomy is a surgical procedure of partial or complete removal of the penis. This is the most common treatment for the advanced stage of penile cancer. Depending on the condition of the disease, there is a need for total or partial splenectomy.

What is penile cancer?

The presence of malignant (cancerous) cells on or in the tissue of the penis referred to as penile cancer. The most common type of penile cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. 

What are the signs and symptoms of penile cancer?

Few of the signs & symptoms of penile cancer:

• Foul-smelling discharge
• Bluish-brown growths
• Lump on the skin
• Skin thickening
• Skin color changes at the tip or on the shaft
• Ulcer formation and may bleed
• Formation of crusty bumps
• Red rash below the foreskin
• Bleeding beneath the foreskin

What are the diagnostic tests for penile cancer?

Initially, the doctor will perform a physical examination of the penis and checks with the medical history of the patient. Some of the tests that the doctor performs to confirm penile cancer:

• Excisional biopsy
• Incisional biopsy
• Lymph node biopsy
• MRICT scan
• Ultrasounds
• Chest X-rays to check whether cancer may have spread to the lungs

Who can perform a Penectomy?

Well experienced and qualified General Surgeons, Surgical Oncologists, and Urologists can perform a Penectomy. 

What are the risk factors for penile cancer?

Following are the risk factors for developing penile cancer:

• Above 65 age group
• Smoking cigarettes
• Uncircumcised men
• Individuals exposed to HPV
• Bodily fluids trapped in the penis foreskin

What are the complications of a Penectomy?

Following are a few of the complications of Penectomy:

• Chronic pain
• Infection
• Unable to participate in sexual intercourse
• Formation of blood clots
• Swelling of lymph nodes
• Urethra becomes narrow

What are the different treatment options for penile cancer?

If penile cancer is diagnosed in the early stages, then the following treatment may involve:

• Cryotherapy
• Circumcision
• Moh’s surgery
• Cryotherapy
• Laser treatment
• Partial splenectomy

If the cancer is diagnosed in the advanced stage, the doctor would suggest a Penectomy along with radiation and chemotherapy.