Penile cancer

Penile cancer is when abnormal cells in the penis start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way. Cancer of the penis is very rare.

Symptoms of penile cancer can include a growth or sore on your penis, bleeding or a foul smelling discharge.

You usually start by seeing your GP. They will ask about your symptoms. They might refer you to a specialist and organise tests.

Find out about survival for different stages of penile cancer.

Treatments for penile cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The treatment you have depends on the stage and type of your penile cancer.

The stage, type and grade of your cancer helps your doctor decide which treatment you need.

Research trials aim to find out if new treatments are safe and better than those currently available for penile cancer.

Coping with penile cancer can be difficult. There are things you can do, people who can help and ways to cope with your diagnosis.

Some factors might increase your risk of developing penile cancer. These include the human papilloma virus (HPV), your age and having a tight foreskin (phimosis).