[The foreskin and squamous-cell carcinoma of the penis].

Abstract

The incidence of penile cancer is low in men who have been circumcised at infancy. It is unknown whether a causative relationship exists between circumcision and the substantially reduced incidence of penile cancer. A normal foreskin has no known aetiological role in the development of penile cancer. A narrow, non-retractable foreskin predisposes the patient to infection and contributes to the development of penile cancer, together with the known risk factors of smoking and human papillomavirus infection. Circumcision represents a complex of social and behavioural factors. Analyses have not taken all of these factors into consideration. It is unlikely that circumcision itself protects against the development of penile cancer.

• Authors: S Horenblas, B K Kroon
• Journal: Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde (Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd) Vol. 149 Issue 44 Pg. 2450-3 (Oct 29 2005) ISSN: 0028-2162 [Print] Netherlands
• Vernacular Title: De voorhuid en het plaveiselcelcarcinoom van de penis.
• PMID: 16285359 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (epidemiology, etiology, pathology, prevention & control)
• Circumcision, Male
• Humans
• Incidence
• Male
• Penile Neoplasms (epidemiology, etiology, pathology, prevention & control)
• Risk Factors