Penile Cancer
Cancer of the penis occurs when cells begin to multiply out of control. It is a relatively rare form of cancer, accounting for fewer than 1% of the cancers diagnosed in men each year. It’s far more common in men who have not been circumcised than in men who have. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is also thought to be a risk factor for this cancer, as is smoking. About 80% of the penile cancer diagnoses each year are in men 55 or older.
As with many cancers, penile cancers best respond to treatment if caught early. Because men handle their penis each day while urinating, they can spot cancer symptoms when they first appear. Those symptoms include:
- Changes in an area of the penis if it becomes thicker or begins to change color
- A lump or sore on the penis
- A rash that’s reddish in color
- Small bumps or flat growths that appear to be bluish or brown in color
- A foul smelling discharged under the foreskin on uncircumcised men
- Swelling
If penile cancer is diagnosed in its early stages, doctors may prescribe medicated creams to treat lesions. Other treatments use lasers, extreme cold or surgery to remove or destroy tumors. If the cancer is advanced, treatment may require removing part or all of the penis and the lymph nodes in the groin area.
