penile cancer: do you know the signs?

penile cancer most commonly forms in the cells that make up the top layer of skin of the penis.

by dave yasvinski

published dec 09, 2022

last updated feb 20, 2023

5 minute read

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5 minute read

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signs of penile cancer appears often in the form of changes to the skin of the head, foreskin or shaft of the penis. getty

penile cancer is a disease that occurs when normally healthy cells within the penis become cancerous. as these malignant cells begin to multiply and spread, they form tumours that destroy healthy tissue in the surrounding area. penile cancer can develop anywhere on the male reproductive organ, according to the canadian cancer society, but most commonly forms in the squamous cells that make up the top layer of skin on the head or foreskin of the penis. squamous cell carcinoma accounts for more than 90 per cent of all penile cancers, with other rarer forms of the disease, such as sarcoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma, forming less frequently in different types of tissue.

although many kinds of cancer produce changes in the body that are not visible to the naked eye, penile cancer can actually cause the penis to look different. the first warning sign of the disease is often a slight decolorization of the skin in the area. if the disease is left untreated or not detected in time, it can quickly metastasize to other areas of the body. one of the first areas it usually migrates to is the lymph nodes in the groin, causing them to appear larger than normal.

fortunately, penile cancer is relatively rare and has a high survival rate if it is detected before it has a chance to spread to other areas of the body.

what are the symptoms of penile cancer?

signs of penile cancer can appear in the early stages of the disease, often in the form of changes to the skin of the head, foreskin or shaft of the penis. although less serious conditions, such as infections or allergic reactions, can produce similar symptoms, you should exercise caution and consult with a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

any type of sore or growth on the penis
any change in the colour of the penis (be sure to check beneath the foreskin)
redness, irritation or a rash on the penis
a lump or other area of thicker skin on the penis
swelling or unexplained pain at the top of the penis
small, crusty bumps in the area
a bad-smelling fluid or bleeding under the foreskin
a lump in the groin
an area that itches or burns

diagnosing penile cancer

determining if a patient has penile cancer typically begins with a physical examination by a doctor who will inspect the area for discoloration, lumps or any other concerning symptoms. according to the cleveland clinic, health providers will also ask about past illnesses, information that may help reveal if symptoms are indicative of cancer or something more common, such as an infection. other tests can include:

biopsy. a small sample of tissue is removed for analysis in a lab. circumcision may be required if the area of concern is on or obscured by the foreskin
complete blood cell count. while it cannot diagnose cancer, a cbc determines the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets and provides useful information on organ function and general health
blood chemistry tests. measures the levels of certain chemicals in the blood and points to abnormalities in the functioning of organs
imaging. a range of tests, including a ct scan, mri, x-ray, ultrasound and pet scan, may be used to determine the stage of the cancer and if it has spread to other areas of the body

how is penile cancer treated?

treatment depends on a number of factors, including the size of the tumour and whether or not the cancer has spread. according to healthline, if the cancer is still in its early stages, one or more of the following may be required:

medicated creams, which help the body’s immune system identify and target cancerous cells
circumcision. if the cancer is confined to the foreskin, removal may be necessary
cryotherapy. extreme cold is used to eradicate tumours
laser ablation. extreme heat is used to eradicate tumours
mohs surgery – cancerous skin is removed layer by layer until healthy tissue is reached
excision – cancerous cells are cut from the body
radiation therapy – high energy beams are used to destroy or shrink tumours ahead of surgery

if the cancer has progressed, you may be a candidate for a penectomy, which is the partial or total removal of the penis. if necessary, doctors will create an opening that allows for the passage of urine. in cases where the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, they may be removed through a lymphadenectomy.

preventing penile cancer

there are a number of ways to reduce the risk of penile cancer, including:

circumcision – although there are many factors that go into the decision to circumcise an infant — including religious beliefs and cultural preferences — research suggests the procedure lowers the risk of penile cancer as an adult.
getting the hpv vaccine – vaccination should ideally occur between the ages of nine and 26 or before a person becomes sexually active
limiting sexual partners and practicing safe sex – condoms and dental dams may not fully stop the spread of hpv but they can lower the risk of infection. it is estimated that around 50 per cent of cases of penile cancer are caused by hpv
quitting smoking – avoiding tobacco reduces the risk of penile and other forms of cancer
practicing proper hygiene – washing your penis regularly with soapy water, particularly beneath the foreskin, removes germs that can lead to infection or inflammation

prevalence of penile cancer

according to the most recent data compiled by the canadian cancer society, 195 men were diagnosed with penile cancer in 2018. in 2020, 70 men died from the disease.

support for penile cancer

the canadian cancer society is a great place to learn more about penile cancer or any other form of the disease that affects you or someone you know. the website offers a cancer information hotline and a community service locator to help you find support in the area in which you live.