What Does Penile Cancer Look Like? Signs, Symptoms & Warning Signs
If you have noticed an unusual change in the appearance of your penis, you may be wondering what does penile cancer look like. A lump, sore, rash, skin thickening or change in colour can have several causes and does not necessarily mean cancer. However, persistent changes should not be ignored, as they can sometimes be among the penile cancer symptoms that need further assessment. At King’s Cancer Care Centre, appropriate evaluation can help identify the cause and determine whether further tests or treatment are needed.
What is Penile Cancer?
So, what is penile cancer? Also known as penis cancer, it is a rare cancer that develops when abnormal cells in the penis begin to grow uncontrollably. It most commonly affects the skin of the penis and foreskin, although it can develop elsewhere on the penis.
Understanding the normal parts of a penis can also make it easier to notice changes. These include the glans, or head, the shaft, the foreskin, the frenulum and urethra. Penile cancer can develop in different areas, so changes should be assessed based on what is normal for you.
What does Penile Cancer look like?
There is no single appearance that identifies penile cancer. If you are wondering what does early stage penile cancer look like, early changes can be subtle and may vary from one person to another. While penile cancer photos may show examples of different lesions, photographs cannot confirm whether a particular change is cancer. Possible changes include:
- A penile lesion or ulcer
- A rash or area of irritated skin
- Thickening or raised areas of skin
- A change in the colour of the penis or foreskin
- Bleeding or unusual discharge
- Swelling or irritation around the head of the penis
A growth or sore that remains for four weeks or longer should be assessed. It may resemble a wart, ulcer or blister and may not necessarily be painful.
Penile Cancer symptoms and warning signs
The main penile cancer symptoms can include:
- A sore or growth that does not heal
- Bleeding from the penis or under the foreskin
- A foul-smelling discharge
- A rash
- Difficulty pulling back the foreskin
- Changes in the colour of the penis or foreskin
- Swelling or irritation around the glans
- Thickening of the skin
Other signs of penile cancer may include a lump in the groin, unexplained weight loss, tiredness or abdominal pain, particularly when the disease is more advanced.
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What causes Penile Cancer?
When asking what causes penile cancer, there is no single cause in every case. Certain factors can increase the risk, including infection with some types of human papillomavirus (HPV), conditions affecting the penile skin and some other health factors.
However, having a risk factor does not mean that someone will develop penile cancer. Similarly, a change in the penis does not automatically mean cancer.
How common is Penile Cancer?
Penile cancer is relatively uncommon, and it is more often diagnosed in men over 50, although younger men can also develop it.
- It accounts for a small proportion of cancers in men.
- It has the potential to occur anywhere on the penis, but usually affects the glans or the foreskin.
- Persistent changes such as a lump, sore, rash or change in skin colour should be assessed rather than ignored.
When should you seek assessment?
A penile cancer lump, sore, rash or skin change does not necessarily mean cancer. Many penile lumps and spots are caused by other conditions. However, persistent changes should be assessed rather than diagnosed at home. When penile cancer is suspected, an examination may be followed by a biopsy. The procedure involves removing a small amount of tissue from the affected area so it can be examined more closely.Â
At King’s Cancer Care Centre, cancer care includes advanced diagnostics, medical oncology, surgical expertise, radiation oncology and supportive care. The centre takes a personalised approach to cancer treatment based on the individual’s condition.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the cancer’s stage, size, location and whether it has spread. At King’s Cancer Care Centre, depending on the cancer’s stage, location and spread, treatment may include:
- Surgery: Removes the cancer and, when needed, nearby affected tissue or lymph nodes.
- Chemotherapy: Involves medicines that target and destroy cancer cells and may be considered when the disease is more advanced.
- Radiation therapy: Uses targeted radiation to treat cancer cells in selected cases.
- Palliative care: Helps manage symptoms and support quality of life when cancer is advanced.
King’s Cancer Care Centre combines advanced diagnostics, surgical oncology, medical oncology and radiation oncology to support personalised cancer treatment.
Why choose King’s Cancer Care Centre for Penile Cancer treatment?
At King’s Cancer Care Centre, penile cancer care begins with understanding the individual diagnosis and determining the appropriate next steps. Assessment, diagnosis and treatment are coordinated according to the cancer’s stage, location and extent of spread. Patients can benefit from:
- Comprehensive cancer care: Access to surgical oncology, medical oncology and radiation oncology services.
- Personalised treatment planning: Treatment is tailored to the individual diagnosis and stage of cancer.
- Advanced diagnostic support: Appropriate investigations help establish the nature and extent of the disease.
- Coordinated care: Different aspects of cancer treatment can be planned as part of a connected care pathway.
- Supportive care: Patients can receive support focused on symptom management and quality of life throughout treatment
FAQs on what does penile cancer look like
What does penile cancer look like?
Penile cancer can appear as a persistent sore, lump, growth, rash, ulcer, thickened area or change in skin colour. It does not have one specific appearance, and similar changes can be caused by other conditions. A persistent change should therefore be assessed rather than diagnosed from photographs alone.
What can penile cancer look like in pictures?
If you are searching for what does penile cancer look like pictures, you may come across images showing different types of penile lesions. However, pictures alone cannot confirm whether a lesion is cancerous. The appearance can vary depending on the type, location and stage, so an unusual or persistent change should be assessed in person.
What does early penile cancer look like?
Early penile cancer may appear as a small lump, sore, ulcer, thickened area or change in skin colour. Some early changes can be subtle and may not cause pain. Any unusual change that persists should be checked.
What are the symptoms of penile cancer?
Penile cancer symptoms can include a sore or growth that fails to heal, bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, skin colour changes, a rash, difficulty pulling back the foreskin, and swelling or irritation around the glans.
Is every penile cancer lump cancerous?
No. A penile cancer lump is not automatically cancer. Lumps, spots and sores can have many causes, including infections and skin conditions. Persistent or unusual changes should be assessed to establish the cause.
Can penile cancer be treated?
Treatment depends on the type, size, location and stage of the cancer. Options may include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, while very early disease may sometimes be treated with laser therapy or topical treatments.
Can penile cancer kill you?
It can become serious if detected late or if it spreads. The outlook depends on the cancer’s type, size, stage and spread. An early assessment can provide a clearer understanding of the change and help shape the treatment plan if cancer is confirmed.
Take the next step with King's Cancer Care Centre
Noticing a change in your penis can feel uncomfortable or worrying, but you do not need to try to identify the cause yourself. If you have a persistent lump, sore, lesion, rash, bleeding or other unusual change, seeking an assessment can provide clarity.
King’s Cancer Care Centre provides personalised cancer care, from diagnosis and treatment planning through to ongoing support. Contact King’s Cancer Care Centre to discuss your concerns and take the next step in your care.