Male organ cancer refers to any malignancy (a tumor, or mass of cancerous cells) that forms on the male tissue, from the glans to the sheath to the spongy tissue inside. While the chances of developing cancer of the male organ are smaller than other types of cancer, it can still be a very dangerous disease, and if it is not caught in the early stages, it can spread to other parts of the body. This process, called metastasizing, can be life-threatening. As with other forms of cancer, it is important to understand the risk factors and symptoms and to seek early treatment for any irregularities in the male organ. Learning more about male organ protection and the signs to look out for can improve men’s prognosis if they do develop a malignancy.
Risk factors
- Genetics – men with a family history of cancer have a greater chance of developing male tumors;
- HPV – men who have been exposed to HPV, or human papillomavirus, may be at greater risk;
- Having multiple partners and/or contracting an STI has been linked to cancer;
- Poor personal hygiene habits can lead to numerous issues and may be associated with male tumors;
- Phimosis, a condition in which the sheath cannot be pulled back over the head of the male organ, is also associated with cancer, although it is not clear whether it is causative;
- Men over the age of 60 are more likely to develop male organ cancer;
- Men who smoke have a greater risk of numerous types of cancer, including male cancer.
Signs and symptoms
Sores, swelling, a clear or whitish discharge, lumps and bleeding are all signs of male cancer. However, these problems are also symptomatic of numerous other male organ problems. Attempting to self-diagnose any health issue is not a good idea, because it is easy to misinterpret the symptoms; therefore, any unusual issues with the male organ should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.
Treatments
Treatment for male cancer depends on the location of the tumor, as well as the stage that the cancer has reached. Standard surgery may be used to remove localized tumors that have not metastasized; this may include removal of the sheath. Laser or cryosurgery may be used in some cases and can be less invasive than other procedures. For more advanced cases, partial or full amputation of the male organ may be necessary.
Following surgery, men may be treated with radiation or chemotherapy to destroy any remaining cancerous cells.
In some cases, experimental treatments may be recommended, and men may be asked to take part in a clinical trial of a new form of cancer treatment. This is generally done in cases where standard procedures are ineffective in eliminating the cancer.
Preventive measures
While there is no foolproof way to ensure that men will not develop male cancer, certain precautions can be taken to reduce the risk and to protect overall male organ health. These may include:
- Surgical ablation of the sheath;
- Use of protection during intimate encounters;
- Not smoking, or quitting for those who already smoke;
- Immunization against HPV
- Use of a sunscreen when spending time outdoors (yes, even on the male organ – not all clothing can protect against UV rays).
Can a male organ health crème protect against male cancer?
While there is no clear research to indicate that creams or lotions can protect against cancer, there are indications that certain ingredients can benefit the male tissue. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, alpha lipoic acid, and others, that are often found in a quality male organ health crème may help to protect the male tissue against oxidative damage from free radicals, an issue which has been linked to cancer. Adding a male organ cream like this to the daily personal care regimen is a good idea, as it can also help to maintain overall skin health and a smooth, supple appearance.