Cancer Pathway

Penile Cancer: your pathway, step by step

Penile cancer is uncommon and treatable, especially when seen early. Many men delay seeking help because of embarrassment, but early treatment often allows the penis to be kept. This guide explains the steps, one stage at a time, in confidence.

Book a consultation

Written for patients and reviewed by Dr. Anshuman Singh, Uro-Oncologist, on 7 October 2026.

Start here

What is penile cancer?

Most penile cancers start in the skin of the head of the penis (glans) or the foreskin. The cancer can spread to lymph nodes in the groin first, so the groin is checked as part of the plan.

The aim is to remove the cancer completely while keeping as much of the penis, its function and its length as possible, and to check the groin nodes when needed, because they decide the outlook.

How penile cancer is usually found

  • A sore, ulcer, lump, wart-like growth or a patch of changed skin on the glans or foreskin that does not heal.
  • A foul discharge, bleeding, or a foreskin that cannot be pulled back (phimosis).
  • A lump in the groin.
  • Poor hygiene under the foreskin, phimosis, smoking and HPV infection raise the risk. Circumcision in childhood lowers it.

Step 1

The tests that decide the plan

Treatment is chosen only after these results are put together.

Examination
The penis and both groins are examined. The size, position and depth of the growth, and any groin lumps, are recorded.
Biopsy
A small sample confirms the cancer and shows its grade and depth. The result guides the choice of operation.
Scans
MRI of the penis may be used to see how deep the cancer goes. CT or PET-CT checks the groin and pelvic nodes and the rest of the body when needed.
Groin node assessment
Lumps may be sampled with a needle. When nodes cannot be felt, the risk of hidden spread is estimated from the biopsy findings.

Step 2

Find what applies to you

Choose your stage and a few details. The page then shows what it means, the options, what to take into account and what to ask, with a checklist you can download.

Living with treatment

Side effects and recovery

These depend on the treatment chosen. Most can be reduced or managed, so ask about them before you decide.

Change in appearance, length or sensation
Greater with larger operations. Reconstruction and counselling can help.
Sexual function
Many men keep sexual function after organ-sparing surgery. After larger operations, intimacy and counselling are still possible.
Urination
After partial or total removal, the urine stream may need to be directed, or passed sitting down.
Groin wound problems and leg swelling
After groin node surgery. Careful wound care, compression and physiotherapy reduce the risk.

After treatment

Follow-up

  • Examination of the penis and groins every few months for the first two years, then less often, for at least five years. Cancer coming back is most common in the first two years.
  • Scans in higher-risk cases, and teaching to check the groin yourself.
  • Support for emotional and sexual health at every visit.

When to get help quickly

  • A new sore, lump or discharge on the penis or scar.
  • A new lump in either groin.
  • Redness, warmth, leakage or fever after groin surgery.
  • Swelling of a leg that is increasing.

Common questions

Questions patients ask

Can the penis be saved?

Often, in early cancers. Surface treatments and organ-sparing surgery can cure many cancers while keeping the penis. This is why seeing a doctor early matters.

Is penile cancer caused by infection?

HPV infection is linked to some penile cancers. Smoking, poor hygiene under the foreskin and a tight foreskin are other risks. It is not a sign of being unclean in a way to be ashamed of.

Why are the groin nodes checked?

Penile cancer spreads first to the groin nodes. Checking or removing them finds hidden cancer and improves the chance of cure.

Is the cancer contagious or sexually transmitted to a partner?

The cancer itself is not contagious. HPV can be passed between partners, and vaccination and regular check-ups for partners can be discussed.

Will I be able to have sex after treatment?

Many men can after organ-sparing treatment. After larger operations, many keep intimacy, and counselling and sexual medicine support help.

Want to talk through your own reports?

This guide is general information and does not replace a medical opinion. An unhurried one-to-one discussion with Dr. Anshuman Singh, with your family welcome, so that you understand every option before you decide. Bring your reports and scans to a consultation with Dr. Anshuman Singh, in the clinic or by teleconsultation.

Book a consultationPenile Cancer treatment