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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
lesion possible penile cancer????
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
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lesion possible penile cancer????
by fearful1, Nov 15, 2005 12:00AM
I am a 28 yr old healthy male. I was circumcised at birth, and I have had no STD's. Several weeks ago (beg to mid Oct) I noticed a painless lesion approximatly 2-3mm on the bottom left of the tip of my penis.
The "lesion" seems slightly raised and is a pinkish-red color. Some mornings it seems almost flesh-toned but after several hours or after intercourse it will be red and irritated. It has not changed or gotten bigger, but it doesn't seem to be going away fast either.
To the touch it seems to feel identical to the non affected side. It almost seems like a type of blister, but I cannot find where any fluid is inside.(seems very superficial)
I thought it was just an irritation, but now it is starting to get to me.
My wife is an RN and she told me not to worry that it seemed to her like a slow healing irritation or blister from friction of some sort. She said when you tighten the skin around it, the lesion is blanchable. She said to watch it and see if it changed at all. It has not.
I have looked at Penile cancer sites via the net and realize it is rare but I have a cancer phobia anyway. Any advice appreciated.
P.S. Does penile cancer grow on the skin fast, does the lesion get bigger normally?
The "lesion" seems slightly raised and is a pinkish-red color. Some mornings it seems almost flesh-toned but after several hours or after intercourse it will be red and irritated. It has not changed or gotten bigger, but it doesn't seem to be going away fast either.
To the touch it seems to feel identical to the non affected side. It almost seems like a type of blister, but I cannot find where any fluid is inside.(seems very superficial)
I thought it was just an irritation, but now it is starting to get to me.
My wife is an RN and she told me not to worry that it seemed to her like a slow healing irritation or blister from friction of some sort. She said when you tighten the skin around it, the lesion is blanchable. She said to watch it and see if it changed at all. It has not.
I have looked at Penile cancer sites via the net and realize it is rare but I have a cancer phobia anyway. Any advice appreciated.
P.S. Does penile cancer grow on the skin fast, does the lesion get bigger normally?
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Nov 16, 2005 12:00AM
, Nov 16, 2005 12:00AM
I saw -three- Urologists over a 9+ month period who kept telling my a sore (similar to yours) was nothing to worry about. I got some cream for fungal infections since they eventually thought it might be a yeast infection. Don't worry they said.
Months later, on my own accord, I cold-called a dermatologist who immediately gave me some strong steroid cream and when it didn't clear up he was surprised.
He took a skin scraping and later told me I had Squamous Cell Carcinoma. He intended to use Nitrogen to remove it but I later opted to return to the Urologists for an excision. The first time there were insufficient margins, requiring another operation.
It's been over a year - all is well. I'm 100% operational.
Had I not taken it upon myself to see a Dermatologist.... well, I'd rather not think about it.
If it doesn't clear up, call a Derm and get a definitive diagnosis! Do it for me, if not for yourself.
Everyone gave me the same advice they are giving you. Chances are they are correct with you. Chances were they were correct with me. They were not.
In two weeks this Derm diagnosed what four other Doctors discounted for months.
I'm not bitter, nor dissapointed..... just wiser.
Good luck,
Yes, I was circumcised at birth.
>Should I try anything else?
Yes, see a Derm and demand a scraping. Don't let them tell you it is nothing to worry about. Even though they are likely totally correct and it *IS* nothing to worry about.
I've been where you are. However, mine turned out to be cancer. It is *VERY* likely yours will not.
Nevertheless, if I'd have taken the advice of my GP, my three subsequent Uro's, it would have only gotten worse. Maybe much worse. As it is, I appear to be totally cured and working just fine.
Get off your ***, make an appointment, and put this behind you.
I am sorry for being a jerk on this. I've been where you are and I know how you feel. Few others can say this. I don't want you to follow in the same path I followed.
Please keep me informed. I care deeply how this comes out.
I am just freeting about this situation. I am between health ins. companies so I dont have coverage at this point. I will have in January. It is possibly my OCD that is causing my anxiety....but JoeSmithIv who has commented on this forum sais he was circumcised at birth and still developed penile cancer.
Should I try a steroid creme?
Here are some link to my ealier inquiries. You'll note I initially discussed BCC. Later, when my GP got my paperwork, I was informed I have SCC. Nice. ;-(
http://www.medhelp.org/perl6/dermatology/messages/32857.html
http://www.medhelp.org/perl6/dermatology/messages/33103.html
For the record, my local Derm HAS seen cases of BCC and SCC like mine. He was not as quick to claim it's rarity as others.
>It would benefit me greatly
No it won't. A diagnosis by a qualified medical doctor WILL benefit you greatly. I'm just a biased source with no medical qualifications. I do, however, understand how you feel.
Relax Fearful1. The odds are GREATLY (I repeat GREATLY) in your favor. Just see a doc and put this behind you.
The only difference I see in our experiences is that I have had no pain and my lesion runs along the opening of the penis (oblong shaped) about 2-3 mm.
What (if any) reasons did your derm give you for this carcinoma? You obviously had no risk ractors (HPV virus, trauma...) I am curious. I would like to keep in contact with you via this forum or by e-mail.
Thanks again for your help and concern.