The Christie Private Care
Wilmslow Road M20 4BX Manchester
Penile cancer
Around 500 men are diagnosed with this rare form of cancer in the UK each year, most frequently those over the age of 50
About penile cancer
The exact cause of penile cancer is unknown. However, there have been several factors identified that increase your risk of developing the disease. These risk factors include smoking, having the human pampilloma virus (HPV), being uncircumcised and conditions that make it difficult to pull the foreskin back, such as phimosis.
Need to know
Initial symptoms can include:
- a change in the skin colour of the affected area
- a lump or sore on the penis
- a thickening of the skin
- a rash
As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:
- discharge
- bleeding
It is important for you to be vigilant about any changes because penile cancer can often be treated successfully if it is diagnosed early.
Your consultant will require you to have a biopsy. If necessary, you can then be referred for further tests including:
- CT scan
- a lymph node biopsy to investigate the results in more depth
Treatment for penile cancer is usually able to be performed through surgery to remove the unhealthy tissue. Surgical procedures have progressed vastly since they were first used and now more penile preserving procedures are offered, which leads to better results both functionally and cosmetically. Further surgery may have to be conducted if the cancer has spread to your lymph nodes. If this has happened, a lymphadenectomy is performed, which removes the lymph nodes from your groin.
Our Penile cancer locations
Women’s Health Centre
27 Harley Street W1G 9QP London
LOC at Chelsea
102 Sydney Street SW3 6NJ London
LOC at The Harley Street Clinic
81-83 Harley Street W1G 8PP London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.