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

Enquiries & Appointments

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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

LOC at The Harley Street Clinic

LOC at The Harley Street Clinic

81-83 Harley Street W1G 8PP London
The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
Leaders in Oncology Care

Leaders in Oncology Care

95-97 Harley Street W1G 6AF London
HCA Healthcare UK at University College Hospital

HCA Healthcare UK at University College Hospital

Grafton Way Building, 1 Grafton Way WC1E 6AG London
The Portland Hospital

The Portland Hospital

205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.