My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
WebMD Home

Ask Your Question

WebMD Answers

120 Characters remaining
120 Characters remaining
  • First, try and keep your question as short as possible.
  • Include specific words that will help us identify questions that may already have your answer.
  • If you don't find your answer, you can post your question to WebMD Experts and Contributors.

Close

Featuring Experts From

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See all
Back to List
  |  
Next Question
Didn't find your answer? Post to
WebMD Experts and Contributors
Q.

What causes penile cancer?

Related Topics: Penile Cancer
Posted:
| Report This Report Question
Answer This
 

Answers From Experts & Organizations (1)

Debbie Bridges, MDDebbie Bridges, MDSUCCESS!
Debbie Bridges, MD
Infectious Diseases
American Medical Society
31 Answers
144 Helpful Votes
10 Followers
A.

The exact cause of penile cancer is not known, but there are certain risk factors for the disease. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of getting a disease. The risk factors for cancer of the penis may include the following:

  • Uncircumcision. Men who are not circumcised at birth have a higher risk for getting cancer of the penis.
  • Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. HPV includes more than 100 types of viruses that can cause warts (papillomas). Certain types of HPV can infect the reproductive organs and the anal area. These types of HPV are passed from one person to another during sexual contact.
  • Smoking. Smoking exposes the body to many cancer-causing chemicals that affect more than the lungs.
  • Smegma. Oily secretions from the skin can accumulate under the foreskin of the penis. The result is a thick, bad-smelling substance called smegma. If the penis is not cleaned thoroughly, the presence of smegma can cause irritation and inflammation.
  • Phimosis. This is a condition in which the foreskin becomes constricted and difficult to retract.
  • Treatment for psoriasis. The skin disease psoriasis is sometimes treated with a combination of medication and exposure to ultraviolet light, which may increase a person's risk for penile cancer.
  • Age. Over half of the cases of penile cancer occur in men over age 68.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

Posted:
| Report This Report Answer

Was this helpful?

YesNo

Thanks for your feedback.

3 of 3 found this helpful
Read the Original Article: Penis Disorders
 
 
1 Answer

Next Question:

What is penile cancer? Next Question