Penile cancer typically presents with a tumor that causes symptoms like changes in skin texture, nodules on the penile skin, or penile wounds that bleed and do not heal.

This type of cancer is more frequent in older men over 60 years old, although it can appear in younger men. Risk factors include smoking, poor genital hygiene and unprotected sex.

Penile cancer is curable, although surgery may be necessary to remove affected tissue. The larger the tumor or the later the diagnosis, the higher the probability for surgical removal of a larger area.

Common symptoms

The most common symptoms of penile cancer are:

Red lump on the penis
Wound on the glans or foreskin that is usually painless
Swelling and irritation of the glans penis
Wound or ulcer that does not heal within 4 weeks
Wart-like lumps or blisters
Bleeding from the penis or under the foreskin
Change in the color of the skin of the penis or foreskin
Thicker skin on the penis or foreskin, making it difficult to retract
Flat blue or brown spots on the skin
Foul-smelling fluid under the foreskin
Swelling with crusting scabs
Swollen lymph nodes in the groin, which can be painful

Men may also present with fatigue and weight loss for no apparent reason.

It is best to see a urologist for diagnostic testing, as an assessment will confirm the underlying cause which will guide the most appropriate treatment. Learn more about what else can cause sores on the penis.

Is blood in the urine a sign of penile cancer?

Generally, the presence of blood in the urine is not a characteristic symptom of penile cancer. However, it can be a sign of prostate cancer or a urinary tract infection. Therefore, you are advised to consult a urologist for a more thorough assessment and treatment as necessary. Check out the most common causes of blood in the urine and how it is treated.

Confirming a diagnosis

A diagnosis of penile cancer is confirmed by a urologist through evaluation of the signs and symptoms reported by the patient. The doctor will likely order a biopsy to determine if any signs of malignancy are noted in the cells.

Possible causes

Penile cancer is usually related to abnormal changes in the DNA of the skin cells of the penis, which begin to multiply abnormally and uncontrollably.

Some factors that can increase the risk for penile cancer include:

History of phimosis or STIs
Balanitis or chronic inflammation
Lack of circumcision, or circumcision completed in adulthood
Smoking
HPV or HIV infection
Lichen sclerosis

Having these risk factors does not mean you will necessarily develop penile cancer, however you should participate in regular screening after the age of 60.

Treatment options

Treatment should be guided by an oncologist or urologist. It usually involves surgery to remove the maximum amount of affected tissue possible, followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy to eliminate any remaining tumor cells.

Depending on the surgery and cancer stage, men may experience post-surgical complications, like erectile dysfunction. In these cases, the doctor may recommend a penile prosthesis that can help men maintain an erection during sex.

In more serious cases, in which the cancer has reached a very advance stage, the doctor may recommend total penis and testicle removal. In these cases, the doctor may contemplate whether the patient is a candidate for a penile transplant so that full sexual function can be restored.

Prevention measures

To prevent penile cancer, you can consider the following measures:

Ensure daily penile hygiene, particularly beneath the foreskin, to prevent bacterial or viral infections
Use a condom during sex
Avoid smoking

Although there is no specific cause that triggers the development of penile cancer, these considerations can help to prevent some risk factors, like poor hygiene and HPV.

How to perform hygiene correctly

To wash the penis adequately, you should pull back the skin the covers the head and cleanse with mild soap and water. Be sure to retract the skin and pat the area dry after showering.