Treatment for Penile Cancer

Treatment for Penile Cancer

Penile cancer is treated via surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Treatments for penile cancer include:

Surgery: The surgical management of penile carcinoma depends upon the grade and stage of the disease. Early stages may require only removal of the tumor with some local tissue. Moh's surgery, laser surgery and cryotherapy ensure least damage to the penis. More advanced stages may require partial or complete amputation of the penis. Affected lymph nodes are usually surgically removed.

Radiotherapy / Chemotherapy: Radiotherapy or chemotherapy is used to prevent recurrence of the cancer.

Biological therapy may also be useful in the treatment of penile cancer.

Preventive measures

Circumcision is considered to be an important measure in the prevention of penile cancer. Circumcision done in early childhood prevents phimosis and HPV infection, thus decreasing the risk of developing cancer of the penis.

HPV infection could be prevented by vaccination, though the exact role of vaccination in preventing penile cancer is not known.