Penile Cancer
Genitourinary Oncology Program
Description
What is cancer of the penis?
Cancer of the penis, a rare kind of cancer in the United States, is a disease
in which cancer (malignant) cells are found on the skin and in the tissues of
the penis.
Men who are not circumcised at birth may have a higher risk for getting cancer
of the penis. A circumcision is an operation in which the doctor takes away
part or all of the foreskin from the penis. The foreskin is the skin which
covers the tip of the penis. A circumcision is done on many baby boys before
they go home from the hospital.
A doctor should be seen if there are any of the following problems: growths or
sores on the penis, any unusual liquid coming from the penis (abnormal
discharge), or bleeding.
If there are symptoms of cancer, the doctor will examine the penis and feel for
any lumps. If the penis doesn’t look normal or if the doctor feels any lumps,
a small sample of tissue (called a biopsy) will be cut from the penis and
looked at under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) and choice of treatment depend on the stage
of the cancer (whether it is just in the penis or has spread to other places),
and the patient’s general state of health.