Misdiagnosed with cancer, had to have part of his penis amputated

A patient over 70 years old was diagnosed with penile cancer, after 4 years of treatment for genital warts without cure.

Penile cancer but misdiagnosed as genital warts

Recently, the Central Dermatology Hospital ( Hanoi ) received a patient over 70 years old who came to examine widespread lesions on the entire glans penis.

This is a sign related to penile cancer but the patient was not properly diagnosed when examined at another medical facility.

About 10 years ago, the patient developed condyloma acuminata in the glans penis. At that time, he went to a medical facility and was advised to undergo circumcision. However, after treatment, the patient’s lesions were not gone and the condyloma continued to appear.

Penile cancer is easily mistaken for common diseases such as balanitis, fungus, genital warts

ILLUSTRATION PHOTO: CENTRAL DERMATOLOGY HOSPITAL

4 years ago, seeing the wart gradually increasing in size, the patient went to a hospital for examination, was diagnosed and treated for genital warts, but the condition did not improve.

At the Central Dermatology Hospital, through examination, medical history and test results, the patient was diagnosed with penile cancer.

Resident doctor Vu Dinh Tam, Department of Plastic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Central Dermatology Hospital, said the patient underwent partial penectomy to remove the cancerous mass (previously diagnosed as genital warts) to prevent metastasis. After surgery, the patient's health stabilized and he was discharged from the hospital.

According to Dr. Tam, penile cancer is easily confused with common diseases such as balanitis, fungus, genital warts, etc., causing many people to be subjective and only go to specialized medical facilities when the disease is in the late stages, reducing the effectiveness of treatment and greatly affecting health and quality of life.

Penile cancer room

To reduce the risk of penile cancer, Dr. Tam noted, men need to always keep their private areas clean and practice safe sex.

If phimosis is detected, go immediately to a specialized medical facility for treatment and early prevention of penile cancer.

Approximately 90% of penile cancer patients have a history of phimosis. Phimosis increases the risk of penile cancer by up to 60%. Penile cancer detected early has a 5-year survival rate of over 80%.

If penile cancer is detected early, the tumor can be surgically removed while preserving the penis, maintaining near-normal function.

In the late stages, partial or total penectomy greatly affects the patient's ability to have sex, urinate, psychology and quality of life. If the disease has metastasized to the inguinal lymph nodes or further, the prognosis for life is reduced.

Men, especially older men, need to pay attention to the warning signs of penile cancer:

Unusual growths, ulcers, or cracks appear on the penis, especially in the glans or coronal sulcus.

Persistent foul odor in the genital area, despite good hygiene. Pain, burning, or itching of the glans penis or when urinating. Unexplained discharge or blood from the penis. Swelling or enlarged lymph nodes in the groin.

There is a high risk of penile cancer in cases of phimosis; HPV infection (especially HPV types 16, 18...).

Chronic inflammation of the glans penis and foreskin; poor personal hygiene (increases the risk of chronic inflammation).

Smoking increases the risk of cancer in general, including penile cancer.

(Central Dermatology Hospital)

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/mac-ung-thu-bi-chan-doan-sai-phai-cat-mot-phan-duong-vat-185250616092827989.htm