This is a rare type of cancer impacting the penis; early detection is key.
What is penile cancer?
Cancer that starts in cells in the penis is called penile cancer. It’s
a rare type of cancer impacting primarily uncircumcised men. Approximately
1,300 men are diagnosed in the United States each year with penile cancer.
If detected early, it’s often curable.
What are the symptoms of penile cancer?
Symptoms vary from person to person, but commonly include:
An ulcer, sore, or growth on the penis, especially on the glands or foreskin
Changes in skin color
Skin thickening or tissue growth
A red, velvet-like rash under the foreskin
Bleeding from a growth or sore
Small and crusty bumps
Flat growths with a bluish-brown color
Pain in the penis
Discharge under the foreskin
Swelling at the tip of the penis, or in the groin area
Many of these symptoms can be caused by other health problems, and don’t
always mean you have cancer. You should still talk to a healthcare provider
as soon as possible if you notice anything concerning.
Early detection is key to treatment, so it’s important to perform
regular self-exams, and to know what’s normal for your body. Any
changes in the way your penis (or the area around it) looks or feels should
signal the need for a conversation with your doctor.
Treatment options for penile cancer
The best treatment for penile cancer depends on several factors, such as:
The stage of the cancer
The type of cancer cells
The size of the tumor and where it is in the body
Your overall health
Your personal preferences
It’s important to talk to your provider about the best treatment
for you and your needs. Some common treatment options for penile cancer include:
Surgery:
Surgery is often the first treatment for penile cancer. Surgeries can range from
partial or full penis removal (penectomy) to more specific procedures,
including Mohs micrographic surgery.
Radiation therapy: Radiation can help kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. You may get radiation
only or in addition to surgery.
Chemotherapy: With chemo, a combination of drugs helps kills cancer cells. You can
get chemo by mouth, through a vein, or directly in the tumor.
Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen freezes the cancer cells.
Topical chemotherapy: This type of chemo uses a cream that contains chemotherapy drugs. The
cream gets applied directly to the skin of the penis.
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