CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Penile cancer
Around 500 men are diagnosed with this rare form of cancer in the UK each year, most frequently those over the age of 50
About penile cancer
The exact cause of penile cancer is unknown. However, there have been several factors identified that increase your risk of developing the disease. These risk factors include smoking, having the human pampilloma virus (HPV), being uncircumcised and conditions that make it difficult to pull the foreskin back, such as phimosis.
Need to know
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.
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
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.
Our Penile cancer locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
University College Hospital Private Care
Grafton Way Building, 1 Grafton Way WC1E 6AG London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Private Care at Guy's
London Bridge Hospital Private Care at Guy's SE1 9RT London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.