Penile cancer

Need to know

• Symptoms of penile cancer icon plus

  Initial symptoms can include:

  • a change in the skin colour of the affected area
  • a lump or sore on the penis
  • a thickening of the skin
  • a rash

  As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:

  • discharge
  • bleeding

  It is important for you to be vigilant about any changes because penile cancer can often be treated successfully if it is diagnosed early.

• Diagnosis icon plus

  Your consultant will require you to have a biopsy. If necessary, you can then be referred for further tests including:

  • CT scan
  • a lymph node biopsy to investigate the results in more depth

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  Treatment for penile cancer is usually able to be performed through surgery to remove the unhealthy tissue. Surgical procedures have progressed vastly since they were first used and now more penile preserving procedures are offered, which leads to better results both functionally and cosmetically. Further surgery may have to be conducted if the cancer has spread to your lymph nodes. If this has happened, a lymphadenectomy is performed, which removes the lymph nodes from your groin.