Penis cancer cases are on the rise, with Brazil witnessing 6,500 amputations in the past decade. In 2018, a Brazilian pensioner named João sought medical attention after discovering a wart on his penis. Despite initial misdiagnoses, João’s condition worsened, impacting his marriage and personal life. After five years of consultations and tests, he was diagnosed with penile cancer, leading to a partial amputation.

Penile cancer, though rare, is seeing an increase in incidence and mortality rates globally. Brazil has reported one of the highest incidence rates at 2.1 per 100,000 men, with over 21,000 cases and 4,000 deaths between 2012 and 2022. The country has witnessed over 6,500 amputations in the last decade, with the state of Maranhão having the highest incidence rate at 6.1 per 100,000 men.

Symptoms of penile cancer include non-healing sores, discharge, bleeding, and color changes on the penis. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, which may involve surgical removal, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. However, untreated cases may require partial or total amputation, affecting the patient’s quality of life significantly.

João’s experience with partial amputation highlighted the emotional and physical challenges faced by patients. The aftermath of surgery left him feeling sadness and fear, emphasizing the life-altering impact of penile cancer treatment. Some patients may undergo total amputation, leading to drastic changes in their daily lives.

Thiago Camelo Mourão from the Department of Urology at AC Camargo Cancer Center in São Paulo explained the implications of different amputation procedures. While partial amputation allows for urine passage through the penis, total amputation may involve relocating the urethral orifice to the perineum, presenting unique challenges for patients.