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UF Health Shands Hospital is rated High Performing for urologic care by U.S. News & World Report.
The UF Health Cancer Center received designation from the NCI because of the exceptional, multidisciplinary care the Cancer Center delivers to patients and the leading-edge clinical research conducted by its faculty. Our providers across the spectrum of cancer care work together to provide personalized care to our urologic cancer patients. Cases are presented at weekly tumor boards which are attended by physicians across multiple departments, so they can work together to develop the best treatment plan possible.
Penile cancer is cancer that starts in the penis, an organ that makes up part of the male reproductive system.
Cancer - penis; Squamous cell cancer - penis; Glansectomy; Partial penectomy
Cancer of the penis is rare. Its exact cause is unknown. However, certain risk factors include:
The cancer usually affects middle age and older men.
Early symptoms may include:
As the cancer advances, symptoms may include:
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your health history and symptoms.
A biopsy of the growth is needed to determine if it is cancer.
Treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor and how much it has spread.
Treatment for penile cancer may include:
If the tumor is small or near the tip of the penis, surgery may be done to remove only the cancerous part of the penis where the cancer is found. Depending on the exact location, this is called a glansectomy or partial penectomy. Laser surgery may be used to treat some tumors.
For more severe tumors, total removal of the penis (total penectomy) is often needed. A new opening will be created in the groin area to allow urine to exit the body. This procedure is called a urethrostomy.
Chemotherapy may be used along with surgery.
Radiation therapy may be used along with surgery. A type of radiation therapy called external beam therapy is often used. This method delivers radiation to the penis from outside the body. This therapy is most often performed 5 days a week for 6 to 8 weeks.
The outcome can be good with early diagnosis and treatment. Urination and sexual function can often be maintained.
Untreated, penile cancer can spread to other parts of the body (metastasize) early in the disease.
Contact your provider if symptoms of penile cancer develop.
Circumcision may decrease the risk. Men who are not circumcised should be taught at an early age the importance of cleaning beneath the foreskin as part of their personal hygiene.
Safer sexual practices, such as abstinence, limiting the number of sexual partners, and using condoms to prevent HPV infection, may decrease the risk of developing cancer of the penis.
Heinlen JE, Ramadan MO, Stratton K, Culkin DJ. Cancer of the penis. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 82.
National Cancer Institute website. Penile cancer treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/penile/hp/penile-treatment-pdq#link/_1. Updated February 2, 2022. Accessed October 13, 2022.
UF Health research scientists make medicine better every day. They discover new ways to help people by running clinical trials. When you join a clinical trial, you can get advanced medical care. Sometimes years before it's available everywhere. You can also help make medicine better for everyone else. If you'd like to learn more about clinical trials, visit our clinical trials page. Or click one of the links below:
The phase III trial compares the effect of pembrolizumab to observation for the treatment of patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer who achieved a pathologic complete response after preoperative chemotherapy in combination with…
Our community and patient programs provide great value to patients, families and loved ones. People can find support, educational materials, expert consultants and more. In most instances, these programs are offered free of charge.
Can assist you through the treatment process in a number of practical and supportive ways.
This year, the University of Florida Health Cancer Center is recognizing March 4, International HPV Awareness Day, by equipping you with the information you…
Thinking about cancer is unpleasant. Thinking about the possibility you might have cancer is even less appealing. Of course, individuals who notice warning signs of cancer can take action and see a...