Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 09 Jul 2024
Why Are Penile Cancer Cases Increasing Across The World? Know The Early Symptoms
Low human papillomavirus or HPV vaccination rates are contributing to the rise in case numbers
Penile or penis cancer cases are skyrocketing across the world and are expected to surge a staggering 77 per cent in the next 25 years, according to an alarming new investigation. An investigation from Sun Yat-Sen University in China, which followed a large-scale analysis involving the latest data from 43 countries has expressed concerns.
According to the research, Brazil has one the highest rates of penile cancer, trailing only behind Uganda. Between 2013 and 2023, there were 21,000 reported cases of penile cancer in Brazil, with 4,000 men succumbing to the disease. Another 6,500 of the country’s men were forced to have their appendages amputated.
What is causing the increase in penile cancer?
According to doctors, low human papillomavirus or HPV vaccination rates are contributing to the rise in case numbers. Statistics say, around 60 per cent of penile cancer cases are caused by HPV infection, with types 16 and 18 being the most common. HPV gets transmitted through skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and sharing sex toys.
High-risk types of HPV produce proteins that can block tumor suppressor genes, allowing cells to grow out of control.
Other than HPV, a few other reasons for the surge in this cancer include tobacco products which contain cancer-causing chemicals that damage your DNA and spread throughout the body. Phimosis smegma and UV light treatment of psoriasis can also lead to this cancer.
According to doctors, men who practice good genital hygiene and are circumcised are less likely to develop penile cancer.
What is penile cancer?
According to experts, penile cancer develops when malignant cells in your penis grow out of control. Cancer can form anywhere in your penis, but it most commonly starts on the head or foreskin, if you are uncircumcised.
Doctors say 95 per cent of penile cancers are squamous cell carcinoma or SCC, which forms in the top part of your skin layer called the epithelium. Other, less common types of penile cancer form in different types of tissue including basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and sarcoma. Usually, this cancer is diagnosed in men over 55 years of age, but those under 40 can also get it.
Signs and symptoms of penile cancer
Not all cancers cause changes you can see, but penile cancer usually causes your penis to look different. The skin on your penis may become discolored, and you may notice a lump. A few signs and symptoms of this cancer include:
- A painless lump or sore that may bleed
- Swelling and irritation, especially in the head of your penis
- Skin thickening or changing skin colour
- Blueish-coloured flat growths
- Foul-smelling fluid underneath your foreskin
- Small, crusty bumps on your penis
- Rash
- Recurrent infections