penile cancer symptoms

hi,

I was doing a project on penile cancer and I was just wondering what symptoms would indicate that the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes (stage III)? would it just be swollen or would there be pain, soreness, redness or anything else as well?

thanks,
ray

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Symptoms of penile cancer vary and include redness, irritation, a sore on the penis or a lump on the penis as its chief symptoms. In stage 3 penile cancer, the inguinal lymph nodes are involved but they remain mobile. It may present with inguinal lymhadenopathy and a FNAB (fine needle aspiration biopsy) of the lymph node may need to be done.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[rayzer93]

I read that bleeding and pain occurs if the cancer is advanced. Would these symptoms occur before or after lymph node swelling? Also would there be pelvic lymph node swelling or would be mainly around the groin area?

Ray

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Bleeding and pain can occur before or after the lymph node swelling. There is no fixed criteria for this. In stage 3 inguinal as well as pelvic lymph nodes can become enlarged and in stage 4, fixed (inoperable) inguinal lymph nodes or distant metastasis is present.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[rayzer93]

Hi,
Would these lymph nodes be painful? And what is the possibility for teenagers circumsized at birth to get penile cancer?

Thanks