Penile cancer
Diagnosing penile cancer
Your GP will ask you about any symptoms you have and when they occur. They'll also examine your penis for signs of penile cancer.
In 2015, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ( NICE ) published guidelines to help GPs recognise the signs and symptoms of penile cancer and refer people for the right tests faster. To find out if you should be referred for further tests for suspected penile cancer, read the NICE 2015 guidelines on Suspected Cancer: Recognition and Referral .
If your GP suspects penile cancer, theymay refer you toa specialist usually a urologist (a doctor who specialises in conditions that affect the urinary system and genitals).
The specialist will ask about your symptomsand check your medical history. They may also check for any physical signs of penile cancer.
A blood test may be carried out to check your general health and the number of blood cells.
To confirm a diagnosis of penile cancer, you may need to have a biopsy . Asmall tissue sample will be removed so it can be examined under a microscopefor cancerous cells.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Penile cancer is a rare type of cancer that occurs on the skin of the penis or within the penis. In the UK, around 550 men are diagnosed with cancer of the penis each year.
Signs and symptoms
Youshould be aware of any abnormalities or signs of penile cancer, including: a growth or sore on the penis that doesn't heal within four weeks bleeding from the penis or from under the foreskin a
Types of penile cancer
The penis is made up of many different types of tissue. The type ofpenile cancer you have will depend on the typeof cell the cancer developed from. The most common types of penile cancer include:
What causes penile cancer?
The cause of penile cancer isn't known, but certain risk factors can increase your chances of getting it. Men who carry the human papilloma virus (HPV) have an increased risk of developing penile can
Diagnosing penile cancer
Your GP will ask you about any symptoms you have and when they occur. They'll also examine your penis for signs of penile cancer. In 2015, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ( NICE
Treating penile cancer
Treatment for penile cancer will depend on the size of the affected area and the rate at which the cancer hasspread. For example, in most cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS), where only the skin cells o
Prevention
It isn't always possible to prevent penile cancer, but you can reduce your chances of getting it. Oneof the mainways you can reduceyour chances of developing penile cancer is to give up smoking (if
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