Penile cancer, like other squamous cell carcinomas (a type of skin cancer), can be caused by exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight and artificial tanning services. Human papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease (STD), can also increase your chances of developing penile and other skin cancers. Chemical toxins, such as arsenic, which is present in foods such as grapes, chicken, beef, and fish, have also been demonstrated to cause squamous cell carcinoma. Three medical treatments can also cause skin cancer: psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA), used to treat psoriasis; head and neck x-rays; and immunosuppressant drugs, taken to prevent organ rejection after an organ transplant. Many inflammations of the penis (caused by infections such as STDs, yeast infections, and scabies) can lead to penile cancer.
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