When Dry Penis Skin May Be a Sign of Penile Cancer

When skin is healthy, nourished and protected from the sun, it's soft and slightly moist. This is skin anyone would want to touch, and it's relatively easy for a man to create smooth, touchable penis skin by carrying out a reasonable penis care routine. However, there are times when this vital tissue becomes crusted and dry, and it might even be a little painful. While these problems could be attributed to injuries or allergies, they could also be caused by penile cancers, and as a result, men should consider calling their doctors when they develop dry, itchy penis skin concerns. Cancerous Changes Penile tissue can be subject to a variety of different cancerous changes, including tumors that impact only the top layer of skin, tumors that attack the sweat glands of the skin and tumors that invade deeper tissues. Some of these penile cancers start small and grow slowly. Others are slightly more aggressive, and they seem to grow a bit larger each day. Some cause pain and itching, while others do not. Men who choose to research these issues online may feel their hearts racing with each click of the mouse, and they may become convinced that their issues are certainly incurable or disfiguring. It's important to remember that only a doctor, not an online pundit, can make a proper diagnosis. Thankfully, that test isn't usually considered painful. In a penile exam for cancer, doctors look over the area and ask the man questions about the lesion. They may want to know when the man noticed the spot, for example, or they may wonder if the issue has gotten better or worse with time. Doctors may also want to know if a man has tried home remedies for relief, and if so, how well those interventions worked. If the doctor believes that cancer might be at play, a tiny snip of tissue from the penis can confirm the diagnosis; doctors use anesthetic to numb the area before the sample is removed. Prevention is Key Reading the word "snip" in close proximity to the word "penis" can fill some men with such anxiety that they'll do anything to prevent cancer from striking their cells. There are a variety of steps men can take to protect their delicate equipment, and often, these steps are relatively easy to implement. For example, men can:

1. Use condoms during sex, to reduce the risk of the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is often associated with penile cancer

1. Stop smoking, to prevent cancerous changes from taking place in any of their cells

1. Stick with the same partner, as having sex with multiple partners can increase the risk of developing HPV

1. Perform penile checks frequently, as precancerous changes can sometimes be treated before they have the opportunity to blossom into cancer

The good news is that cancer of the penis is relatively rare, as the American Cancer Society suggests that the issue strikes just 1 man in 100,000. Even so, experts still urge men to take the issue seriously, preventing risk factors when they can and getting medical attention when problems arise. Performing good penis hygiene may also be helpful, as men who stay clean have frequent opportunities to examine their skin and track any changes that might arise. Staying clean may also help to reduce inflammation levels, so changing skin won't be hidden within swollen tissue. Adding in a penis health creme (most experts recommend Man1 Man Oil) may also be helpful, as these products can nourish and soften penile skin. While these products aren't specifically designed to function as cancer-fighting tools, they may help to reduce the appearance of the itchy, dry penis skin that makes men think of cancer. In a way, this could be the biggest benefit of all.