Dr Leslie Gellman

Penis Cancer

What is penis cancer?

Cancer is abnormal cell growth in the skin or organ tissue. When this cell growth starts in the penis, it is called penis cancer or penile cancer. Penis cancer is rare and affects less than 1% of men in Europe. It is more common in men older than age 40, but younger men can get it. Most penis cancer patients are 60–70 years old. 

Symptoms

Penis cancer usually appears on the penis skin. It can look like a rash or a sore that doesn’t heal. You might notice bleeding or a bad smell. If you have a foreskin, it might change in appearance or may have become too tight to pull back. If you notice these symptoms, ask your doctor if you have penis cancer or another medical problem. Problems with your penis might make you feel embarrassed or worried. Your doctor will be used to talking about these kinds of problems. Don’t wait to see your doctor. • If it is cancer, early treatment is better.

Risk factors.

The exact cause of penis cancer is not known. Men with certain conditions have a higher risk of getting penis cancer:

• A foreskin 

• A tight foreskin that cannot be pulled back over the head of the penis (phimosis) 

• Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, usually of the foreskin 

• A condition called lichen sclerosis, which only affects men with a foreskin and causes inflammation   

  of the penis

• Long-term irritation or inflammation of the penis 

• Treatment of a severe skin condition using chemotherapy and ultraviolet light (PUVA) Men who have had the foreskin 

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