The most common diseases in men include cardiovascular problems, tumors in the genital region, skin, and lungs, as well as liver conditions. Early diagnosis can contribute to better treatment possibilities and a more favorable prognosis. Learn about the symptoms and available treatments.
The most frequent diseases in men are heart conditions, genital cancers, skin cancer, lung cancer, and liver diseases.
Unhealthy habits such as smoking and even poor hygiene are related to these issues. Learn more about the main diseases that affect the male population, their symptoms, and the available treatment options.
What Are the Main Diseases That Affect Men?
The most common diseases in men impact the following organs: heart, prostate, skin, testicles, penis, and lungs. Check them out:
- Cardiovascular diseases;
- Prostate cancer;
- Skin cancer;
- Testicular cancer;
- Penile cancer;
- Lung cancer.
1. Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, heart failure, and stroke are the leading cause of death in Brazil, accounting for 30% of cases. Learn about the symptoms and treatments for each:
Heart Attack
- Symptoms: chest pain that may radiate to the left arm, chest tightness, shortness of breath, cold sweat, paleness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain (in older adults);
- Treatment: surgery or medications such as anticoagulants and pain relievers.
Heart Failure
Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood effectively and consequently fails to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to the body.
- Symptoms: fatigue, weight gain, shortness of breath during physical activity or at rest, swelling in the ankles, legs, and abdomen, cough, irregular heartbeat, mental confusion;
- Treatment: diuretic medications, pacemaker, or surgical procedures. A transplant may be an option if the patient does not respond to more conventional treatments.
Stroke
A stroke (AVC) occurs when the blood vessels that carry blood to the brain are blocked or rupture. There are two types of stroke:
- Ischemic: obstruction of an artery that prevents cells from receiving oxygen. Almost 90% of stroke cases are ischemic;
- Hemorrhagic: caused by the rupture of a local blood vessel. It accounts for 15% of cases and is the most lethal type.
The symptoms of stroke include:
- Dizziness;
- Sudden, severe headache;
- Lack of coordination and balance;
- Speech changes;
- Mental confusion;
- Weakness or tingling in the face, arm, or leg, usually on one side of the body;
- Vision changes.
2. Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the uncontrolled growth of prostate cells. Among diseases that affect only men, this tumor is the most common.
In its advanced stage, the tumor spreads to other regions, mainly the bones, liver, and lungs.
Symptoms like pain when urinating, blood in the urine, lower back or bone pain, weight loss, and fatigue can indicate the severity of the disease.
Treatment varies, and the available approaches include radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radical prostatectomy, which involves removing the prostate.
3. Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common in Brazil. It manifests as spots that itch, flake, or bleed, or moles that change size, shape, or color. These lesions appear on the face, neck, and ears, the areas most exposed to the sun.
Treatment in the early stage usually involves removing the lesion in an outpatient setting, without hospitalization. In advanced cases, surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy may be necessary.
4. Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer represents 5% of urological tumors. One risk factor is cryptorchidism, a condition in which the testicles do not descend into the scrotum and remain in the abdomen. Symptoms include:
- Hardened and heavy testicles;
- Increase or decrease in testicle size;
- Changes in consistency;
- Blood in the urine;
- Sensitivity in the nipples.
Treatment for testicular cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, depending on medical guidance and individual patient assessment.
5. Penile Cancer
Among men’s diseases, penile cancer is rare, and the main risk factor is poor intimate hygiene. Consequently, men with excess foreskin are more prone to this tumor because they cannot fully expose the glans, making cleaning difficult.
However, studies suggest a link between HPV (human papillomavirus) and penile cancer.
Symptoms include:
- Changes in the thickness or color of the penis;
- Reddish sore that does not heal;
- Swelling at the tip of the penis;
- Lump on the penis;
- Urethral discharge or bleeding;
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
Treatment for penile cancer may involve surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In some advanced cases, partial or total removal of the organ may be considered by the physician, always aiming to preserve the patient’s quality of life.
6. Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in lung tissues. It is one of the most common diseases in men, ranking as the third most frequent. According to the INCA (National Cancer Institute), 85% of cases are associated with smoking and secondhand tobacco exposure.
Fatigue, weight loss, shortness of breath, hoarseness, persistent cough, and coughing up blood are the main symptoms.
Treatments vary and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
7. Liver Diseases
Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis) is an excess of fat in the liver. This excess is defined as fat accounting for at least 5% of the liver. If not addressed, it can progress to cirrhosis and cancer.
There are two types of fatty liver disease: alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Being overweight is the leading cause of the non-alcoholic type, accounting for 60% of cases.
Symptoms begin to appear in the intermediate stage, including:
- Loss of appetite;
- Fatigue and weakness;
- Abdominal pain;
- Frequent headaches;
- Abdominal swelling.
In the advanced stage, individuals may experience fatigue, mental confusion, bleeding, pale stools, sleep disturbances, and swelling in the lower limbs.
There is no specific treatment for this condition. Doctors may prescribe diabetes medications and vitamin E, combined with a healthy diet and regular physical exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sexually transmitted infections are also among the most common diseases in men.
Penile inflammations and infections can affect quality of life and may progress to serious conditions such as cancer.
What Causes Inflammation in a Man’s Penis?
Penile inflammation may be caused by:
- Allergies to soaps, lotions, or latex condoms;
- Wearing tight clothing;
- Chronic diseases, such as diabetes;
- Dermatological issues like psoriasis and dermatitis;
- Bacterial or fungal infections;
- Urethral inflammation;
- Sexually transmitted infections.
How to Cure a Penile Infection?
Treatment for a penile infection depends on the underlying cause. Check out some examples:
- Bacterial infections: Cases of balanitis or urethritis are treated with antibiotics;
- Fungal infections: In candidiasis, antifungal creams or ointments and oral antifungals may be recommended;
- Viral infections: In the case of genital herpes, for example, antiviral medications are prescribed;
- Sexually transmitted infections: Gonorrhea and chlamydia treatments often involve antibiotics for both the infected individual and their partner.
Is a Wart on the Penis a Disease?
A wart on the penis is a symptom of HPV, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in men.
The lesion can appear between 2 months and up to 20 years after exposure, and it may be the same color as the skin with a smooth or cauliflower-like texture. Itching, burning, redness, and bleeding are common in genital warts.
Does HPV Have a Cure?
HPV can remain in the body indefinitely, but there are treatments to reduce the associated symptoms and lesions, such as creams, ointments, and specific procedures, according to medical evaluation.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain a firm erection for sexual intercourse. Possible causes include:
- Vascular problems: such as high blood pressure;
- Endocrine issues: such as diabetes;
- Urological problems: enlarged prostate or prostate removal;
- Emotional issues: anxiety and depression;
- Unhealthy habits: smoking and alcohol consumption.
How to Correct Erectile Dysfunction?
The treatment options for erectile dysfunction include:
- Oral medications such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and lodenafil;
- Injections;
- Penile prosthesis, if the patient does not respond to medications;
- Lifestyle changes – balanced diet and exercise;
- Therapy.
If you experience persistent symptoms or notice changes in your health, it is important to seek medical advice for a proper evaluation.
Information is also key to taking care of your health. So, how about following Dr. Paulo Egydio on TikTok? There, you’ll find tips on intimate health for a better quality of life.
