Pathology and Treatment of Carcinoma of the Penis

There are two types of penile cancer, ulcerative and papilliferous, the predisposing causes of which differ. In the second variety a wart initiates the malignant changes, whereas in the former, phimosis and decomposition of smegma are the predominant factors.-The clinical manifestations of carcinoma of the penis are profoundly different from those of glandular carcinoma.Treatment may be either by amputation (Gould operation) or radium irradiation.-A cure is certain if the growth is removed by complete amputation, but though the results from irradiation are variable, it is the treatment of choice, on account of the moral effect of rapid disappearance of the tumour with retention of the organ.-Direct treatment of the glands in the groin is not advised unless the skin over them is involved.