Man's Penis Cancer Surgery Filmed for TV

Alastair Munro, a construction engineer from Inverness, discovered a lump on his penis which was later diagnosed as penile cancer, a rare condition affecting an estimated 700 men annually across the UK. His challenging journey, including a seven-hour surgery at Edinburgh's Western General Hospital, was captured by a BBC camera crew for the series Surgeons: At The Edge of Life. The initial procedure involved removing the tumor and 30% of his penis, along with lymph nodes in his groin, followed by reconstruction using a skin graft from his thigh. A subsequent surgery was required due to residual tumor cells.

Complications from surgery and radiotherapy, including lymphedema, have impacted Munro's ability to urinate and have sex, with further reconstructive surgery planned in about a year. He faces a significant risk of cancer recurrence within two years. Consultant Urological Surgeon CJ Shukla highlighted Scotland's high incidence of penile cancer, urging men to seek prompt medical attention for any suspicious lumps or symptoms, as early detection is crucial. The surgeon noted that embarrassment often delays diagnosis, with risk factors including smoking, obesity, hygiene, and HPV.