Know More About Penile Cancer
As the name suggests, the penile cancer occurs when the cells present in the penis are affected. The cells present in the penis start growing out of control and start the formation of tumor. The division generally starts in the skin cells and goes up in the body. If diagnosed at early stages, it can be cured and treated properly. Several lifestyle habits or genetic conditions or other possible reasons can lead to development of penile cancer.
Causes
There is the presence of nerve cells in the retina that maintain the overall functioning. Any kind of mutations in the DNA of nerve cells can lead to uncontrolled proliferation of the cells. It could also spread to other places if not diagnosed and treated at the right time.
Also, a person may carry a genetic mutation as a part of heredity that might lead to the development of retinoblastoma.
Exposure to chemicals like diesel or chemicals in gasoline during pregnancy might lead to the development of retinoblastoma.
Types of penile cancer
There are several types of penile cancer as well:
Squamous cell or epidermoid carcinoma
It is a type of cancer where the tumor develops in the squamous cells in the penis. This type of cancer accounts for 95% of the penile cancer cases. It develops generally in the foreskin and most commonly occurring type of penile cancer. It can start appearing on other parts of the penis as well.
Melanoma
Melanoma cancer begins in the cells that are responsible for providing color to the skin. The melanoma cells are responsible behind the intensity of the skin color of an individual.
Sarcoma
Sarcoma involves the connective tissues and the cancer cells start forming in muscles, blood vessels, and the fat tissues.
Basal cell carcinoma
Thus type of penile cancer starts developing in the deep layers of skin and has rare chances of spreading to other parts of the body.
Signs and Symptoms
Usually, the most common symptoms start appearing on the foreskin of the penis in men. The changes in skin color can be observed on the tip called gland or on the shaft as well.
The changes in skin thisckness are also possible along with the skin color.
Appearance of rashes or bumps on penis that may look like an unhealed scab.
Formation of lump on the penis.
A growth or formation of mass that looks buish green in color.
Development of sore on the penis that might even bleed.
Discharge underneath the foreskin that has a foul smell.
Swelling on the tip or end of the penis.
Lump formation under the skin of the groins.
It is not necessary that these symptoms arise when the individual is suffering from penile cancer but can also be an indicative of some allergies or infections. It is always better to visit the doctor and get diagnosed.
Diagnosis
There are several diagnosis methods for penile cancer. Some of them are:
Physical Examination
A physical examination can be performed by the doctor where he may check for the lumps or tumors in or around the penis. Any kind of swelling or abnormalities can also be detected through this method if present.
Imaging Techniques
The doctor can suggest Xrays, CT scans, and MRI as well. An X ray provides the digital images of the internal organs of the body. The computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging use certain magnetic, radioactive fields to produce the images through computers. A specific dye can also be injected into the body during these scans to get better pictures of the body organs.
Biopsy
The biopsy involves taking a sample of the cells or tissues of the suspected or affected body part. This biological sample is then analyzed under a microscope in the laboratory by technicians and it is made clear whether the growth is cancerous or not. The sample will be taken from skin lesions on the penis.
Side effects of the treatments
The side effects of the treatment are several based on the intensity of the disease.
- Often, the drugs used for the treatment of penile cancer include issues like nerve damage that cane lead to development of numbness or tingling sensations in the hands and feets.
- Radiotherapy can cause weakness, tiredness, skin soreness, redness or swelling near the affected area. Skin changes can also be observed during this treatment.
- Circumcision can also lead to irritation on the tip of the penis, infections, bleeding, pain, and often inflamed opening of penis.
- Surgery for penils cancer increases the vulnerability to infections, formation of blood clots frequently, issues while urinating, feeling of weakness, problems during erection, and swelling in genitals and legs.
- Cryotherapy can cause scarring and pain around the affected area. There could be swelling and possibility of nerve damage as well.
Treatments
The treatments for penile cancer depend on the intensity of the disease. Depending on how much the cancer has spread in the body, the treatments are of many types:
Certain medications
There are several medicines available for the disease. Some of the medicines in the form of creams or lotions can be provided by the doctor.
Cryotherapy
In this case, a cold liquid or gas is used to freeze the tumor cells to such an extent that they die. Freezing techniques are applied to destroy the cancer cells to core.
Lasers
The laser therapies are used to aim, cut, and kill the cancer cells from the affected area.
Mohs Surgery
This surgery involves removing the affected area layer by layer till a layer of healthy skin cells is achieved.
Circumcision
This process refers to the removal of foreskin when cancer is limited to this area only.
Surgery
The doctor may perform the surgery when the tumor cells have spread to the surrounding lymph nodes. The doctors perform a surgery in this case to remove the lymph nodes.
Radiation therapy
The Radiation therapy involves using a beam of radiations that is focused on the cancer cells to kill them and destroy completely. The radiation can either be guided through an external machine or by placing a tiny device near the affected area that produces beams at regular intervals.
Chemotherapy
The chemicals or drugs are injected into the body that reach out to cancer cells, attack, and kill them completely. Chemotherapy can be administered through an IV in the vein in an individual. It can be provided individually or in combination with other treatments like surgery as well.
Why should you opt for Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is the natural system of healing that deals with natural ways of healing and practice. The herbal extracts used in the products help in strengthening its functioning and reducing the symptoms of the disease.
The anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory qualities of the herbs help in dealing with the issue properly leading to improved efficacy. The bioactive molecules that prevent infection are used in the medications to lower the pain and discomfort. The herbal and pure products help in fighting the toxins present in the body and lead to better functioning of the body.
The Ayurvedic approach to dealing with the diseases also helps in enhancing the levels of immunity in the body and protecting the body against the free radicals as well. As a result of this, the efficiency of the body is increased to a great extent.
Also, the field of Ayurveda focuses on the core of the disease and does not offer any side effects to the affected area or any other body part. Ayurveda uses various therapeutic therapies to deal with the issues of the body like Vamanan, Nasyam, and use of various herbal oils for massages as well.
The professionals working for years in this field are aware of what the patients need and which treatment will be effective at what stage of complexity. There are various methods through which the Ayurvedacharayas will treat the disease and help you to get a stronger immunity and body.