This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by
Sean Cavanaugh, MD, Chair, CTCA Department of Radiation Oncology.
This page was reviewed on January 29, 2022.
Penile cancer is a type of cancer that begins in or on the penis, which is part of the male reproductive system. Penile cancer is rare, with about 2,070 new cases expected to be diagnosed in 2022, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The disease is diagnosed in fewer than 1 man in 100,000 each year, and accounts for fewer than 1 percent of cancers in men in the United States. Penile cancer is much more common in certain parts of Asia, Africa and South America.
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), our oncologists are trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating all stages of penile cancer. Our multidisciplinary teams of cancer experts evaluate the disease to determine its type and stage. We use that information to tailor a cancer care treatment plan based on your specific needs and diagnosis, including supportive care therapies to manage potential side effects of the disease and treatment.
This overview will cover the basic facts about penile cancer, including:
If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of penile cancer and want to schedule an appointment for diagnostic testing, or if you’re interested in a second opinion on your penile cancer diagnosis and treatment plan, call us or chat online with a member of our team.
Researchers have identified certain risk factors that make a man more likely to develop penile cancer.
They include:
There are several types of penile cancer, some more rare than others. Doctors will identify the type to determine the severity of the cancer and the appropriate treatment options.
Squamous cell carcinoma: Almost all penile cancers (about 95 percent) begin in flat skin cells (squamous cells), according to the ACS. Squamous cell carcinoma (or squamous cell cancer) may develop anywhere on the penis but tends to start on the foreskin or glans (head). This generally slow-growing cancer may be treatable if found at an early stage.
Basal cell carcinoma: This rare type of penile cancer is slow growing and doesn’t often spread to other parts of the body.
Melanoma: A small number of penile cancers are melanomas. A type of skin cancer, melanoma begins in skin cells called melanocytes. This cancer may grow and spread quickly and be more high-risk than basal and squamous skin cancers.
Adenocarcinoma (Paget disease of the penis): A very rare type of penile cancer, this disease begins with the sweat glands in the skin of the penis. It closely resembles carcinoma in situ of the penis.
Sarcoma: This type of cancer, also rare, starts in the blood vessels, smooth muscle or connective tissue cells within the penis.
With so many types of penile cancers, it may be confusing to understand their differences. It’s always best to consult a doctor and ask plenty of questions.
Penile cancer doesn’t always present with symptoms. Still, symptoms are possible, so men who suspect any changes are urged to seek medical help. Some of the most common symptoms include:
In diagnosing penile cancer, doctors may ask questions about the patient’s age, overall health, symptoms and medical history. They may also perform a physical examination and, later, a diagnostic test. These may include a biopsy, X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan. If the doctor thinks there’s a chance the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, an inguinal (groin) lymph node dissection may also be ordered.
There are several types of treatment available for penile cancer, based on the type of cancer and its staging.
At CTCA, we understand that penile cancer, like other urologic cancers, can impact patients’ quality of life, sometimes in debilitating ways. That’s why your care team will include a urologic oncologist. Urologic oncologists are trained to treat urinary tract malignancies using a variety of tools and technologies that are designed to treat the disease while sparing healthy tissue.
Your urologic oncologist will also work with the supportive care providers on your care team to help reduce side effects and address sexual function and intimacy concerns. They are also available to help with the mental health side effects penile cancer treatment may cause. For example, patients with penile cancer may experience depression, but talking to a licensed therapist as part of our behavioral health program may help.
Our focus at CTCA is on delivering integrative, comprehensive care. Our teams of specialists and other cancer experts treat the whole person, not just the cancer, all under one roof.
Supportive care therapies that may be recommended to help patients with penile cancer stay strong and maintain their quality of life include:
Every patient has the option of meeting with a registered dietitian.
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