Experiences with
Penile cancer

SymptomsDiagnosisMedical treatmentsCauses

The main symptoms of penile cancer include changes to the skin of the penis, such as growths and bumps, changing skin colour or a rash.

The main test to diagnose penile cancer is a biopsy, which means taking a small piece of tissue from the affected area to check for cancer.

Treatments for penile cancer may include creams, laser treatment, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Penile cancer can be caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus you can get from sex or skin-to-skin contact of the genital area.

Main symptoms of penile cancer

Most penile cancers affect the skin covering the penis (foreskin), or the head or tip (glans) of the penis.

The most common symptoms are:

a growth, lump or sore that does not heal within 4 weeks
a rash
bleeding from your penis or under your foreskin
a smelly discharge
difficulty pulling back your foreskin (phimosis)
a change in the colour of the skin of your penis or foreskin

Other symptoms of penile cancer may include:

a lump in your groin
feeling tired
tummy pain
losing weight without trying

any changes to how your penis looks
discharge or bleeding from your penis
any of the other symptoms of penile cancer
symptoms that are not going away

Try not to be embarrassed. The doctor or nurse will be used to talking about these symptoms.

Main causes of penile cancer

Roughly half of all penile cancers are caused by certain types of a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV).

There are different types of HPV and some affect the genital area.

You can get HPV from:

any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area
vaginal, anal or oral sex
sharing sex toys

Most people affected by HPV will not get penile cancer.

Who is more likely to get penile cancer

Penile cancer is most common in men over the age of 50. It can affect anyone with a penis.

You might also be more likely to get penile cancer if you:

smoke
have problems pulling back your foreskin (the skin covering your penis) to keep your penis clean (a condition called phimosis)
have or had treatment for psoriasis with medicines called psoralens and an ultraviolet (UVA) light source (called PUVA treatment)
have a weakened immune system because of a condition like HIV

How to lower your chance of getting penile cancer

You cannot always prevent penile cancer. But you may be able to lower your chances of getting it.

protect yourself from getting HPV by getting the HPV vaccination if you can
use condoms when having any kind of sex, to lower your chances of getting HPV
stop smoking
have a circumcision if you have phimosis and this is recommended to treat it

Main test for penile cancer

You may need more tests to check for penile cancer if a GP refers you to a specialist.

A biopsy is the main test to diagnose penile cancer.

A specialist does this test by taking a small piece of tissue from the affected area. It’s done under a local anaesthetic, so you do not feel any pain.

You should be able to go home on the same day.

Treatment for penile cancer

Penile cancer may be more treatable if it's found early.

The treatment you need will depend on:

the size and type of penile cancer you have
where it is
if it has spread
your age and general health

Treatment for early cancer often involves non-surgical treatments, for example, a chemotherapy cream, such as 5 fluorouracil (5FU), and laser therapy.

If the cancer is found later, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Where to find help and support

You and your loved ones will be supported by a team of specialists throughout your treatment for penile cancer.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team, will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about penile cancer.

Orchid

Information and support for anyone with or affected by prostate, testicular or penile cancer.

Website: www.orchid.org.uk
Nurse helpline: 0808 802 0010 (open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30 am to 5.30pm).
Orchid: Advice on coping
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