Alternate Names : Penile cancer, Squamous cell cancer – penis
Definition
Cancer of the penis is cancer that starts in the penis, an organ that makes up part of the male reproductive system.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The exact cause is unknown.
Smegma, a cheese-like, foul-smelling substance found under the foreskin of the penis may increase the risk of penis cancer.
Uncircumcised men who do not keep the area under the foreskin clean and men with a history of genital warts or human papillomavirus (HPV) are at higher risk for this rare disorder.
Pictures & Images
Male reproductive anatomy
The male reproductive structures include the penis, the scrotum, the seminal vesicles and the prostate.
Male reproductive system
The male reproductive system, viewed from a sagittal section.
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Cancer – penis : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Cancer – penis : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Cancer – penis : Treatment
Review Date : 4/5/2009
Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
