Tests for penile cancer
To check for penile cancer, you may undergo several tests such as:
– Blood tests
– A physical examination of your penis and groin
– MRI or CT scans
– Ultrasound scan
– Biopsies
Some tests may feel uncomfortable or embarrassing, but your doctor or specialist will ensure you’re as comfortable as possible. You can request like a nurse, friend, or family member, to be present during the tests or examinations. Your doctor or specialist will explain each procedure, and you should ask questions if anything is unclear.
Tests Your doctor might do:
If you experience symptoms, it’s common to first see your doctor, who may run tests to decide if you need a referral to a specialist. Your doctor may:
– Examine your penis and check for any sore areas. They might also take a swab from any sores and check your lymph nodes for swelling.
– Order blood tests to assess your general health, including the function of your liver and kidneys, and check your blood cell levels.
These tests help determine if further investigation is needed.
Tests your specialist might do:
Based on your examination results, your doctor may refer you to a specialist, typically a urologist, for further tests. These tests may include:
– Biopsy: Sampling tissue from the affected area.
– MRI Scan: Produces detailed images of internal tissues.
– CT scan: Provides cross-sectional images of your body.
– PET-CT scan: Combines PET and CT scans to detect cancer activity.
– Ultrasound & Fine Needle Aspiration: Used to check the lymph nodes.
– Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: To determine cancer spread to lymph nodes.
These tests help in determining the stage and spread of cancer.
Biopsy:
A biopsy involves taking a tissue sample from the affected part of the penis to check for abnormal cells. There are three types: an incisional biopsy removes a small part, a punch biopsy uses a small device to take a sample, and an excisional biopsy removes the whole affected area. Local anesthesia is usually used, but in some cases, general anesthesia may be required. Stitches are applied, and the sample is sent to a lab for examination. Most patients go home the same day, with the stitches dissolving on their own.
MRI:
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a scan that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. It helps doctors see soft tissues from multiple angles. The scan can show where cancer is located, its size, and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Why do I need an MRI scan:
An MRI scan is often used to examine various parts of the body. It can provide clearer images than a CT scan for certain tissues. MRI scans are used to:
– Detect tumors
– Determine tumor size and spread (cancer staging)
– Measure blood flow
– Monitor treatment effectiveness
A special dye (contrast medium) may be injected to improve image clarity.
MRI is particularly useful for examining:
– Brain tumors
– Primary bone tumors
– Soft tissue sarcomas
– Spinal cord tumors
– Tumors in pelvic organs (prostate, bladder, uterus, and ovaries)
CT scan:
A CT (or CAT) scan, short for computed tomography, uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of your body. It helps doctors look for signs of cancer and determine if it has spread to other parts.
Wy do I need a CT scan:
A CT scan can help diagnose various conditions, including cancer. It shows where the cancer is located, how large it is, and how close it is to nearby organs, helping doctors decide on further tests or treatment options. CT scans can also be used to monitor how well treatment is working and are often part of follow-up care after treatment.
PET – CT scan:
A PET-CT scan combines two types of imaging: a CT scan, which uses x-rays to create detailed pictures, and a PET scan, which detects areas of high cell activity using a mildly radioactive drug. This helps doctors find parts of the body where cells are unusually active. A PET-CT scan can be used to check where cancer is located in the penis.
Why do I need a PET-CT scan:
A PET-CT scan is more effective than using PET or CT scans alone for diagnosing various types of cancer. It can:
– Help diagnose cancer
– Determine the size and spread of cancer
– Assess if surgery is an option
– Identify the best treatment plan
– Check for cancer recurrence
– Guide radiotherapy
It also shows how well treatment is working. After treatment, PET-CT scans can distinguish between active cancer cells and scar tissue, helping to ensure accurate follow-up.
Preparing for your PET -CT scan:
For most PET-CT scans, you should stop eating 4 to 6 hours before the scan, though you can usually drink water. Avoid heavy exercise for 24 hours before. If fasting is difficult for you (like if you have diabetes), contact the hospital to discuss your options, as they may need to adjust your appointment time or diet. If you’re claustrophobic, let the staff know in advance. They can help keep you comfortable and may provide medication to help you relax if necessary.
Ultrasound scan and fine needle aspiration of the lymph nodes (FNA):
An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the inside of your body. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a procedure where a thin needle is used to collect cells from a lymph node.
Your doctor may check your groin for swollen lymph nodes and use an ultrasound scan to examine them further. If any lymph nodes look abnormal, they will perform an FNA to collect a cell sample, which will be sent to the lab to check for cancer.