What is penile cancer?
Penile cancer (cancer of the penis) is rare. Nearly all cancers of the penis are squamous cell cancers. Squamous cells are found in the skin. They cover the surface of most parts of the body. Rarely, other types of cancer can affect the penis. These include types of skin cancer such as basal cell carcinomas and malignant melanomas. Most penile cancer is diagnosed over the age of 50, it can sometimes also affect younger men.
Symptoms of penile cancer
Signs and symptoms of penile cancer can include:
- a growth or sore (ulcer) on the head of the penis (the glans), the foreskin or the shaft
- changes in the colour of the skin, such as a redness, white patches or areas that look blueish, brown or black in colour
- discharge or bleeding
- pain, a lump or discharge underneath the foreskin, this is usually only seen if the foreskin is pulled back.
These symptoms can also happen with other conditions, however always see your GP straight away if you have any of these symptoms or any other changes. Penile cancer is easier to treat if it is diagnosed early.
The exact cause of penile cancer is not known. Penile cancer is not infectious and cannot be passed on to other people.
Diagnosis of penile cancer
If you have any symptoms, make an appointment to see your GP. If your GP thinks that your symptoms could be caused by cancer they usually refer you to a doctor called a urologist. A urologist specialises in urinary or genital problems. He will ask you about your symptoms, and examine the penis and check the area at the top of the legs (groin) for any swellings. The doctor will take a sample of tissue (a biopsy) from any abnormal or sore-looking area on the penis to diagnose if you have penile cancer.
The specialist team will arrange further tests. These are to find out whether the cancer is only in the penis or if it has spread. The results help your specialist team plan the best treatment for you.
Click here to read more about diagnosis and click here to read about treatment.
After penile cancer treatment
After your treatment, you will have regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon or cancer specialist. They will examine you and you may have blood tests or scans. This may continue for five years If you have any problems, or notice any new symptoms between appointments, let your doctor know as soon as possible.
Relationships and sex
Your doctor or nurse will explain any possible effects your treatment may have on your sex life. If you have an early-stage cancer, treatment is unlikely to directly affect your sex life.
It is usually safe for you to have sex as soon as the treated area has completely healed and you feel ready. Your doctor or nurse will give you advice on this.
Late effects after treatment
Some men may get side effects months or years after radiotherapy treatment. These are called late effects.
After radiotherapy, the healthy tissue in the penis may get thicker. This can cause narrowing of the tube that carries urine through the penis (the urethra). If this happens, you may find it difficult to pass urine. This can be treated with a simple operation to stretch the urethra. If you have difficulty passing urine, tell your doctor straight away.
We have more information about the late effects of pelvic radiotherapy for men.
Organisations such as Orchid offer more information and support for people with penile cancer.
Well-being and recovery
Even if you already have a healthy lifestyle, you may choose to make some positive lifestyle changes after treatment.
Making small changes such as eating well and keeping active can improve your health and wellbeing and help your body recover.
The blue highlighted in the document takes you to the Macmillan support website to see more detailed information.
