Unexplained Erection Leads to Shocking Discovery
A 63-year-old man in Indonesia was forced to undergo a full penis amputation after enduring a week-long erection. The unnamed patient reported that the painful erection began randomly and was not the result of any sexual stimulation. Shocked doctors soon discovered that the cause of the prolonged erection was cancer.
The Dangers of Priapism
Any erection that lasts longer than four hours is considered a medical emergency and is known as priapism. This rare condition can be triggered by anything that disrupts the flow of blood out of the penis, including certain forms of cancer. In cases of priapism, erections do not subside after ejaculation and are not always caused by sexual stimulation.
Uncovering the Underlying Issue
Two weeks prior to the prolonged erection, the man had visited the hospital with pain below his ribs and unexplained weight loss. Further tests revealed that he was suffering from high-grade renal carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer. This type of cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the kidney divide and grow uncontrollably.
Desperate Measures and Life-Altering Decision
Initially, doctors attempted to drain blood from the penis to relieve the erection, but this proved unsuccessful. They then inserted a shunt to improve blood flow. However, subsequent scans revealed that the cancer had spread to the patient's penis. In order to prevent further spread of the disease, the doctors made the difficult decision to amputate the penis.
Treatment and Recovery
Following the surgery, the patient underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Three months later, the doctors reported that the man had no abnormalities in urination and no significant complaints. Although kidney cancer can be cured if caught early, the chances of a cure decrease significantly once the disease has spread beyond the kidneys.
A Common Cancer in the UK
In the UK, approximately 13,300 cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed each year, resulting in about 4,700 deaths annually. It is the seventh most common cancer in the country. Treatment options for kidney cancer include surgery, cryotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, targeted medicines, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Conclusion
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking medical attention for any unusual symptoms or prolonged conditions. The man's week-long erection turned out to be a rare sign of cancer, highlighting the need for early detection and prompt treatment.
