Cancer of the Penis

Cancer of the penis is a rare tumor, with higher incidence in men from age 50, although it can reach younger men. You linked to low socioeconomic conditions and education, poor hygiene and men who underwent circumcision (removal of the foreskin, skin covering the glans - the "head" of the penis). The narrowing of the foreskin is a predisposing factor to penile cancer. Scientific studies also suggest an association between infection with HPV (human papillomavirus) and penile cancer.

In Brazil, this type of tumor accounts for 2% of all cancers affecting men, being more frequent in the North and Northeast.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the tumor location and extent of involvement of inguinal lymph nodes (lumps in the groin). Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be offered. Surgery is most commonly performed treatment for local control of the disease. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent the growth of this cancer and the subsequent amputation of the penis, which brings harmful physical, sexual and psychological man. Therefore, the sooner treatment is started, the greater the chances of a cure.
Prevention
To prevent penile cancer is needed daily cleaning with soap and water, especially after sexual intercourse and masturbation. It is important to teach children early habits of hygiene, which should be practiced every day.

Surgery for phimosis (when the foreskin is tight or inelastic and prevents exposure of the head of the penis, making proper cleaning) is another factor prevention. Operation is simple and quick and does not require hospitalization. Also called circumcision, phimosis surgery is usually performed in infancy. Both men circumcised as uncircumcised reduce the chances of developing this cancer if they have good hygiene habits.

Condom use is essential in any sexual relationship, since practice with different partners without condom use increases the risk of developing the disease. The condom decreases the chance of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases such as HPV, for example.