Partial Penectomy
| A penectomy to remove part (partial penectomy) or all of the penis (known as a radical or total penectomy) may have to be carried out if other treatments are not appropriate or have proved ineffective. Cancer of the penis the lymph nodes in the groin may also be removed. Removing lymph nodes can help prevent further spread of cancerous cells in the body.
Partial removal of the penis involves removing just the tip or head of the penis. The surgeon aims to save as much of the shaft of the penis as possible. This assists with urination by allowing the stream of urine to be directed away from the body.It also means that men can pass urine standing up in public washrooms and so maintain previous habits and routines. Total (radical penectomy) removes the entire penis. This includes the parts of the penis that extend into the pelvis. Passing urine is achieved by creating a new opening for the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. Men who have a total penectomy have to rethink the expression of their sexuality. Many men who have to have all of their penis removed are older so this may not be as important to them as the more issues such as bladder control. For younger men having a good sex life is usually very important. Open communication with a partner willing to explore how to achieve this is vital. |
Urologic Oncology
Education / Resources
- American Cancer Society
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
Prostate Cancer Therapeutics
- Xtandi – Enzalutamide
- Vantas – Histrelin Acetate
- LupronDepot – Leuprolide Acetate for Depot Suspension
- Eligard – Leuprolide Acetate for Injectable Suspension
- Firmagon – Degarelix for Injection
- Xgeva – Denosumab Injection
- Prolia – Denosumab
- Zytiga – Abiratirone
Bladder Cancer Therapeutics
Technologies
