Penis Cancer Stages: Meanings, Treatment Options, and Prognosis
Penile cancer is a rare form of cancer, accounting for less than 1% of all cancers in U.S. males. Early detection and treatment are the most effective ways to improve the outlook for those diagnosed with penile cancer.
The TNM staging system is most often used to determine the stage of penile cancer. This system considers the extent of the tumor, spread to nearby lymph nodes, and metastasis to distant sites.
In stage 0, there is no spread of cancer to nearby lymph nodes or to any other parts of the body. At this stage, treatments focus on preserving organ function and may include medicated topical creams, laser therapy, Mohs micrographic surgery, or circumcision if the lesion is confined to the foreskin.
Stage 1 penile cancer occurs when a tumor spreads to the layer of soft tissue just below the top layer of skin, but it does not affect nearby blood vessels or nerves. Surgical options such as partial penectomy, circumcision, laser ablation, or Mohs surgery are common at this stage, aiming to remove the tumor while conserving as much tissue as possible. Radiation therapy may also be used.
Stage 2a penile cancer is when cancer spreads to the layer of soft tissue just below the top layer of skin and affects nearby blood and lymph vessels or nerves, or grows into a section of the penis called the corpus spongiosum. More extensive surgery like partial or total penectomy may be necessary. Lymph node evaluation may be done to check for spread.
Stage 2b penile cancer is when cancer has spread to the corpus cavernosum, the two internal chambers that run along the top of the penis, but it has not spread to nearby or distant lymph nodes.
Stage 3 penile cancer is divided into two subcategories: stage 3a and stage 3b. Stage 3a penile cancer can be present in the top layer of the skin, corpus spongiosum, or corpus cavernosum, and may be present in one or two nearby lymph nodes but not in distant parts of the body. Stage 3b penile cancer is the same as stage 3a, but the cancer has spread to three or more nearby lymph nodes.
Stage 4 penile cancer can be determined when the cancer has spread to the nearby structures, such as the scrotum or prostate, or to the pelvic or inguinal lymph nodes, or there is evidence of cancer in distant sites. Aggressive treatment including total penectomy, extended lymphadenectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy is often necessary.
Overall, surgery is the mainstay of treatment across stages, with adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation added according to disease extent. Early stages seek organ preservation, while advanced stages prioritize tumor control and survival. Lymph node assessment and multidisciplinary care are essential for optimal management due to psychosocial and sexual implications of treatment.
The 5-year relative survival rate for people who received a diagnosis of penile cancer in 2012-2018 is as follows: Localized (79%), Regional (51%), Distant (9%), All stages combined (65%). Treatments continue to improve, helping improve people's outlooks.
- Maintaining overall health and wellness, particularly focusing on fitness and exercise, mental health, skin care, and proper nutrition, can help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as cancer.
- In the realm of men's health, medical conditions like penile cancer require early detection and treatment for an improved outlook.
- The TNM staging system is critical in determining the extent of penile cancer, considering factors like the size of the tumor, its spread to nearby lymph nodes, and metastasis to distant sites.
- Nutritional options and support are important aspects of a comprehensive care plan for men dealing with penile cancer, as part of a holistic approach to health and medical-conditions management.
- The prognosis for those diagnosed with penile cancer has shown improvement over the years, with advances in science and medical technology leading to better treatment methods and outcomes.
