Penile cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the penis. The cancer typically starts in the skin cells of the penis and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Treatment for penile cancer usually involves surgery to remove the cancerous tissue.
Types of Penile Cancer Surgery
The type of surgery used to treat penile cancer depends on the location and stage of the cancer. The two main types of surgery used to treat penile cancer are:
1. Partial or total penectomy
Partial or total penectomy involves removing part or all of the penis. This type of surgery may be necessary if the cancer has spread to the shaft or head of the penis. In some cases, a reconstructive surgery can be performed to restore the appearance and function of the penis.
2. Mohs surgery
Mohs surgery is a type of surgery used to remove skin cancer. It involves removing the cancerous tissue layer by layer until all of the cancer has been removed. This type of surgery is typically used for early-stage penile cancer.
Preparing for Penile Cancer Surgery
Before undergoing penile cancer surgery, the patient will usually undergo a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging tests to determine the extent of the cancer. The patient will also need to stop taking certain medications or supplements that could increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.
On the day of the surgery, the patient will need to fast for several hours before the procedure. They may also need to take antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
The Penile Cancer Surgery Procedure
The specific details of the penile cancer surgery procedure depend on the type of surgery being performed. In general, penile cancer surgery is performed under general anesthesia, which means the patient is asleep during the procedure.
Partial or Total Penectomy
During partial or total penectomy, the surgeon will make an incision in the skin of the penis and remove the cancerous tissue. If only part of the penis is being removed, the surgeon will try to preserve as much of the healthy tissue as possible to maintain the function of the penis.
After the cancerous tissue has been removed, the surgeon may perform a reconstructive surgery to restore the appearance and function of the penis. This may involve using skin grafts or tissue from other parts of the body to rebuild the penis.
Mohs Surgery
During Mohs surgery, the surgeon will remove the cancerous tissue layer by layer until all of the cancer has been removed. Each layer is examined under a microscope to determine if any cancer cells are still present.
If cancer cells are found in a layer, the surgeon will continue to remove additional layers until all of the cancer has been removed. Once all of the cancer has been removed, the wound is closed using sutures.
Recovery after Penile Cancer Surgery
The recovery process after penile cancer surgery depends on the type of surgery performed. In general, patients will need to stay in the hospital for several days after the surgery to recover.
After being discharged from the hospital, patients will need to take it easy for several weeks and avoid strenuous activities. They may also need to wear a special dressing or bandage over the surgery site to protect it as it heals.
Patients may experience some pain, swelling, or bruising in the area of the surgery, but these symptoms usually improve within a few days to a week. Patients may also need to use a catheter to help drain urine from the bladder for a short period of time after surgery.
Risks of Penile Cancer Surgery
Like any surgical procedure, penile cancer surgery carries some risks. The risks associated with penile cancer surgery include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Pain
- Swelling
- Blood clots
- Difficulty urinating
- Erectile dysfunction