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Penile cancer

Penile cancer affects the penis. It's very rare and mostly affects men aged over 50 years old.

About this information

This NHS content is written for people in England. Services, entitlements and contact routes may differ in other countries.

Symptoms of penile cancer

Symptoms

Tests and next steps for penile cancer

Diagnosis

Treatment for penile cancer

Medical treatments

Causes of penile cancer

Causes

The main symptoms of penile cancer include changes to the skin of the penis, such as growths and bumps, changing skin colour or a rash.

The main test to diagnose penile cancer is a biopsy, which means taking a small piece of tissue from the affected area to check for cancer.

Treatments for penile cancer may include creams, laser treatment, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Penile cancer can be caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus you can get from sex or skin-to-skin contact of the genital area.

Main symptoms of penile cancer

Most penile cancers affect the skin covering the penis (foreskin), or the head or tip (glans) of the penis.

The most common symptoms are:

  • a growth, lump or sore that does not heal within 4 weeks
  • a rash
  • bleeding from your penis or under your foreskin
  • a smelly discharge
  • difficulty pulling back your foreskin (phimosis)
  • a change in the colour of the skin of your penis or foreskin

Other symptoms of penile cancer may include:

  • a lump in your groin
  • feeling tired
  • tummy pain
  • losing weight without trying

See a GP if you have:

  • any changes to how your penis looks
  • discharge or bleeding from your penis
  • any of the other symptoms of penile cancer
  • symptoms that are not going away

Try not to be embarrassed. The doctor or nurse will be used to talking about these symptoms.

Main causes of penile cancer

Roughly half of all penile cancers are caused by certain types of a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV).

There are different types of HPV and some affect the genital area.

You can get HPV from:

  • any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area
  • vaginal, anal or oral sex
  • sharing sex toys

Most people affected by HPV will not get penile cancer.

Who is more likely to get penile cancer

Penile cancer is most common in men over the age of 50. It can affect anyone with a penis.

You might also be more likely to get penile cancer if you:

  • smoke
  • have problems pulling back your foreskin (the skin covering your penis) to keep your penis clean (a condition called phimosis)
  • have or had treatment for psoriasis with medicines called psoralens and an ultraviolet (UVA) light source (called PUVA treatment)
  • have a weakened immune system because of a condition like HIV

How to lower your chance of getting penile cancer

You cannot always prevent penile cancer. But you may be able to lower your chances of getting it.

Do

  • protect yourself from getting HPV by getting the HPV vaccination if you can

  • use condoms when having any kind of sex, to lower your chances of getting HPV

  • stop smoking

  • have a circumcision if you have phimosis and this is recommended to treat it

Main test for penile cancer

You may need more tests to check for penile cancer if a GP refers you to a specialist.

A biopsy is the main test to diagnose penile cancer.

A specialist does this test by taking a small piece of tissue from the affected area. It’s done under a local anaesthetic, so you do not feel any pain.

You should be able to go home on the same day.

Treatment for penile cancer

Penile cancer may be more treatable if it's found early.

The treatment you need will depend on:

  • the size and type of penile cancer you have
  • where it is
  • if it has spread
  • your age and general health

Treatment for early cancer often involves non-surgical treatments, for example, a chemotherapy cream, such as 5 fluorouracil (5FU), and laser therapy.

If the cancer is found later, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Where to find help and support

You and your loved ones will be supported by a team of specialists throughout your treatment for penile cancer.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team, will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about penile cancer.

Orchid

Information and support for anyone with or affected by prostate, testicular or penile cancer.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Cancer Research UK

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Content supplied by the NHS website

Content supplied by the NHS website, refreshed 19 August 2026. View the original NHS article ↗

Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 ↗. MyPHU is independent and is not endorsed by the NHS.