Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

honeypot link

Penile Cancer

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Reviewed/Revised Sep 2022
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
Get the full details
Topic Resources

Cancer Overview of Cancer Cancer is the out-of-control growth of cells in your body. Cells are the tiny building blocks of your body. Cells specialize in what they do. For example, your intestines have muscle cells to... read more is the out-of-control growth of cells in your body. Cells are the tiny building blocks of your body. Cells specialize in what they do. Different organs are made of different kinds of cells. Almost any kind of cell can become cancerous.

What is penile cancer?

The Penis and Urethra
VIDEO

What causes penile cancer?

What are the symptoms of penile cancer?

Symptoms include:

  • At first, just a small red patch

  • A sore that doesn't heal

  • An area that's hard to the touch

  • A wart-like growth

When penile cancer is more advanced, you may have a larger sore or growth.

If the cancer has spread, you may get hard lumps in your groin.

How do doctors tell if I have penile cancer?

How do doctors treat penile cancer?

When they're first found, most penile cancers are small and haven't spread. For these small cancers, doctors will:

  • Have you apply a special cream

  • Do surgery or use a laser to remove the cancer and some of the tissue around it

For larger cancers, doctors do surgery to remove the cancer. Doctors try to take away as little of the penis as possible. However, bigger and more aggressive cancers need more extensive surgery.

Will I be able to pee (urinate) and have sex after getting treatment for penile cancer?

It depends where the cancer is on your penis and how advanced it is. With early, small cancers near the tip, you usually can use the remaining penis to pee and have sex.

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
quiz link

Test your knowledge

Take a Quiz!
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
TOP