Penile cancer, Symptoms, Treatment

In the UK, around 550 men are diagnosed with cancer of the penis each year. It most commonly affects men over 60 years of age. The cause of penile cancer isn’t known, but certain risk factors can increase the chances of getting it including smoking, repeated bacterial and viral infections, and being over the age of 60. You can find out more about the risk factors here.

There is little evidence to suggest that being circumcised as an adult will reduce your chances of developing penile cancer.

Symptoms of penile cancer

The signs of penile cancer include:

A growth or sore on the penis that doesn’t heal within four weeks
Bleeding from the penis or from under the foreskin
A foul smelling discharge
Thickening of the skin of the penis or foreskin that makes it difficult to draw back the foreskin (phimosis)
A change in the colour of the skin of the penis or foreskin
A rash on the penis

Some men find it embarrassing to talk about these sorts of symptoms, but if any of the above apply to you, or if you have any concerns about similar symptoms, it is essential that you see your doctor.

How is penile cancer diagnosed?

If your GP suspects penile cancer, they may refer you to a Urologist, who will ask about your symptoms and check for any physical signs of penile cancer. Blood tests may be carried out to check your general health and the number of blood cells. You may need to have a biopsy. A small tissue sample will be removed so it can be examined under a microscope for cancerous cells.

Treatment of penile cancer

Treatment for penile cancer will depend on the size of the affected area and the rate at which the cancer has spread.

The main treatments for developed penile cancer are:

Radiotherapy, which is where high-energy rays are used to destroy the cancer cells
Chemotherapy, which involves the use of chemical agents which are toxic to cancer cells, destroying them and preventing them from spreading to different areas. This can be given by injection or in tablet form
Surgery, which will involve removing the cancerous cells and possibly some of the surrounding tissue

Related tests and scans

Blood test

Waiting for blood tests and results can be an anxious time. If you’ve been referred by a GP for a test and don’t want to worry or wait, Nuffield Health can help. Our national network of fully accredited laboratories delivers fast, reliable results at a competitive price – wherever you are in the UK.

Fine needle biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure to remove and examine a sample of tissue from a lump or suspicious area of the body.

Penile lesions (biopsy of)

If you have an unusual growth (lesion) or tumour on your penis your consultant may recommend taking a biopsy (sample) for analysis in a pathology lab.

Related treatments and procedures

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of chemicals or drugs (cytotoxic agents) to disrupt or stop the growth of cancer cells.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy uses high-energy particles or waves, such as X-rays, gamma rays or protons, to destroy or damage cancer cells.