Penile Cancer
A diagnosis like penile cancer doesn't have to be terrifying or lead to uncertainty about the future of your health. With Hoag on your team, you've got the science, research, treatment options and minimally-invasive techniques you need to beat even rare and potentially life-changing urological conditions like penile cancer. At Hoag, we make it our mission to keep patients informed and supported, while taking every step to restore or preserve normal function, boosting the odds for a complete recovery.
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Let’s see if we can narrow down what it is you’re going through so we can put you in touch with the right people who can help.
Penile Cancer Care at Hoag
You are more than your cancer diagnosis. At Hoag, our patient-centered support systems, next generation treatment options and top ranked standards of care treat body, spirit and mind to help you get on with living. From robotic surgery to our largest-in-California pelvic floor therapy program, Hoag has what it takes to help you come back from cancer.
What is penile cancer?
Penile cancer is cancer that occurs in the tissues of the penis. Penile cancers are very rare, but most often occur on the glans or “head” of the penis, or on the foreskin in the case of uncircumcised men.
There are four main types of penile cancer:
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): Cancer which begins in the upper levels of the epithelium, which is the outermost layer of skin of the penis. This is the most common type of penile cancer, accounting for around 95 percent of cases
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): a slow-growing, rarer form of cancer that begins in the lowest layers of the epithelium of the penis
- Melanoma: Cancer which begins in the pigment-producing cells of the skin
- Sarcoma: Cancer which begins in the muscle or connective tissue of the penis. This is the rarest form of penile cancer
What are the symptoms of penile cancer?
The symptoms of penile cancer can be different for every patient, but common symptoms can include:
- A sore, lump or penile lesion that doesn’t heal within a month
- Unexplained bleeding from the skin of the penis, including from under the foreskin
- Smelly discharge from the skin of the penis, even after bathing
- Painless sores or lumps on the penis that may bleed
- Lumps in the groin, which may indicate spread to the lymph nodes
- A rash
- Phimosis, which is difficulty drawing back your foreskin (if uncircumcised)
- Unexplained changes in the color of your penis or foreskin
- Irritation or swelling, particularly in the glans/head of your penis
What are the risk factors for penile cancer?
There are a number of factors that are believed to increase your risk of developing penile cancers. These include:
- Infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is believed to cause around 60 percent of penile cancer cases
- Smoking
- Treatment for the skin condition psoriasis, particularly a form of therapy called PUVA which uses a combination of ultraviolet A (UVA) light and drugs known as psoralens.
- A weakened immune system, due to other medical conditions you may have (those with AIDS are particularly susceptible to developing penile cancer) or medical treatments you may have received.
- Age, with penile cancer being most common in patients over 50
- Being uncircumcised
How can I reduce my risk of developing penile cancer?
Ways to reduce your risk of developing penile cancer include:
- Get vaccinated for HPV before beginning sexual activity
- Wear condoms during sex
- Don’t smoke
- Good hygiene
- Keep your immune system healthy by eating a nutritious diet and getting regular exercise
- If being treated for psoriasis near the groin with PUVA, be sure to have the genitals covered so they aren’t exposed to the light treatment
How is penile cancer diagnosed?
After discussing your symptoms and medical history with your doctor, you will likely be given a thorough medical exam, which may be followed by other tests. Penile cancer is usually diagnosed through surgical biopsy, in which a small sample of tissue is removed so it can be examined in a lab for the presence of cancer. Depending on the outcome of the biopsy, your doctor may refer you for other tests that could include a CT scan or MRI. Meet Hoag’s Urologic Cancer Team.
I’ve been diagnosed with penile cancer. Now what do I do?
After diagnosis, your doctor will talk to you about your current symptoms, discuss treatment options and potentially refer you to a specialist for more tests or surgery.
Trust Hoag for your urologic cancer care. The Hoag Family Cancer Institute offers world-class programs for urologic cancer of all types, with multidisciplinary teams, state-of-the-art facilities and technology and the latest in cancer therapies. For the sixth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best Hospitals Rankings named Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach the highest-ranked hospital in Orange County, Calif.
Find more information about urologic cancer care at Hoag at this link.
Hoag’s Clinical Nurse Navigator Program
Hoag is a leader in peace of mind for cancer patients through our Clinical Nurse Navigator program. This unique program provides cancer patients and their families with access to nurses who have specialized training in specific cancers. These nurses serve primarily as facilitators and guides. By answering questions, providing support and serving as a trusted source of science-backed information at each phase of treatment, Hoag’s Clinical Nurse Navigators are a critical resource for patients during diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Explore Hoag’s Clinical Nurse Navigator program.
What are the treatment options for penile cancer?
Treatment options for penile cancer depend on many factors, including how advanced the cancer is when detected, your age and any other health issues you may have. If the cancer is caught early, it can sometimes be treated with special skin creams or with external beam radiation. Hoag offers treatments for more-advanced penile cancer that vary from patient to patient, but may include:
- Surgery, in which cancerous tissue is excised
- Local excision
- Topical therapies
- Partial or radical penectomy
- Lymph node dissection
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
Surgery and advanced treatments at Hoag
Facing surgery can be a frightening prospect, but it is a vital component of the successful treatment of many urologic cancers. The Hoag Family Cancer Institute’s medical team includes experienced, fellowship-trained urologic oncologists who utilize the latest techniques and technology in the surgical management of many different urologic cancers, including cancer of the penis.
Robotic-assisted surgery
To help patients recover faster and return to normal activities sooner, Hoag surgeons utilize the da Vinci® Surgical System to perform robot-assisted minimally invasive surgeries in some cases. Find more information about advanced robotic surgeries at Hoag at this link.
Non-surgical options
Hoag’s non surgical options, including chemotherapy and radiation therapies, are world-class as well. Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian was recently named a Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Center of Excellence (RTCoE) by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), a distinction held by only 17 centers in the U.S. including Stanford Health Care, Harvard Medical School and the University of California — San Francisco.
Hoag Family Cancer Institute’s Radiation Oncology Program offers personalized services to treat urologic cancers. Explore advanced treatment technologies for urologic cancers available at Hoag.
Integrated Cancer Support Services at Hoag
At Hoag Family Cancer Institute, we’re committed to offering the best support services, resources and educational information to our patients and their families at every stage of their cancer journey. Hoag’s Integrated Cancer Support Services are open to everyone regardless of their prognosis, cancer stage or phase of recovery.
Resources include:
- Classes & Workshops
- Counseling Services
- Hoag’s Fitter Image Exercise Program
- Support Groups
- Hoag Rehabilitation Services
- Spiritual Care Services
- Oncology Massage
- Oncology Dietitians
- Financial Navigators for cancer-related care
Find more information about Integrated Cancer Support Services at Hoag at this link.
Are there any clinical trials for penile cancer?
Hoag is committed to leading the way in state-of-the-art technologies and advanced treatment options. Part of this commitment includes clinical research with the goal of helping patients live longer, healthier lives. Through carefully-planned clinical trials, researchers evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases or conditions. Treatments studied in clinical trials might be new drugs or new combinations of drugs, new surgical procedures or devices, or new ways to use existing treatments. View clinical trials for penile cancer at Hoag here.
At Hoag, our clinical research team is committed to excellence in research and a continuing commitment to protect the interests and well-being of patients. Contact us at 949-536-7332 to see if joining a clinical trial for penile cancer is right for you.
At Hoag, we understand that a cancer diagnosis may cause you and your family to experience a variety of significant life changes. We are committed to providing you with support before, during and after treatment. Hoag’s survivorship resources help you navigate through the challenges of telling friends and family about your cancer, working while living with cancer, returning to “normal” after cancer and so much more. We strive to provide you with the resources needed to feel empowered in your everyday life.
What is penile cancer?
Penile cancer is cancer that occurs in the tissues of the penis. Penile cancers are very rare, but most often occur on the glans or “head” of the penis, or on the foreskin in the case of uncircumcised men.
There are four main types of penile cancer:
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): Cancer which begins in the upper levels of the epithelium, which is the outermost layer of skin of the penis. This is the most common type of penile cancer, accounting for around 95 percent of cases
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): a slow-growing, rarer form of cancer that begins in the lowest layers of the epithelium of the penis
- Melanoma: Cancer which begins in the pigment-producing cells of the skin
- Sarcoma: Cancer which begins in the muscle or connective tissue of the penis. This is the rarest form of penile cancer
What are the symptoms of penile cancer?
The symptoms of penile cancer can be different for every patient, but common symptoms can include:
- A sore, lump or penile lesion that doesn’t heal within a month
- Unexplained bleeding from the skin of the penis, including from under the foreskin
- Smelly discharge from the skin of the penis, even after bathing
- Painless sores or lumps on the penis that may bleed
- Lumps in the groin, which may indicate spread to the lymph nodes
- A rash
- Phimosis, which is difficulty drawing back your foreskin (if uncircumcised)
- Unexplained changes in the color of your penis or foreskin
- Irritation or swelling, particularly in the glans/head of your penis
What are the risk factors for penile cancer?
There are a number of factors that are believed to increase your risk of developing penile cancers. These include:
- Infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is believed to cause around 60 percent of penile cancer cases
- Smoking
- Treatment for the skin condition psoriasis, particularly a form of therapy called PUVA which uses a combination of ultraviolet A (UVA) light and drugs known as psoralens.
- A weakened immune system, due to other medical conditions you may have (those with AIDS are particularly susceptible to developing penile cancer) or medical treatments you may have received.
- Age, with penile cancer being most common in patients over 50
- Being uncircumcised
How can I reduce my risk of developing penile cancer?
Ways to reduce your risk of developing penile cancer include:
- Get vaccinated for HPV before beginning sexual activity
- Wear condoms during sex
- Don’t smoke
- Good hygiene
- Keep your immune system healthy by eating a nutritious diet and getting regular exercise
- If being treated for psoriasis near the groin with PUVA, be sure to have the genitals covered so they aren’t exposed to the light treatment
How is penile cancer diagnosed?
After discussing your symptoms and medical history with your doctor, you will likely be given a thorough medical exam, which may be followed by other tests. Penile cancer is usually diagnosed through surgical biopsy, in which a small sample of tissue is removed so it can be examined in a lab for the presence of cancer. Depending on the outcome of the biopsy, your doctor may refer you for other tests that could include a CT scan or MRI. Meet Hoag’s Urologic Cancer Team.
I’ve been diagnosed with penile cancer. Now what do I do?
After diagnosis, your doctor will talk to you about your current symptoms, discuss treatment options and potentially refer you to a specialist for more tests or surgery.
Trust Hoag for your urologic cancer care. The Hoag Family Cancer Institute offers world-class programs for urologic cancer of all types, with multidisciplinary teams, state-of-the-art facilities and technology and the latest in cancer therapies. For the sixth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best Hospitals Rankings named Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach the highest-ranked hospital in Orange County, Calif.
Find more information about urologic cancer care at Hoag at this link.
Hoag’s Clinical Nurse Navigator Program
Hoag is a leader in peace of mind for cancer patients through our Clinical Nurse Navigator program. This unique program provides cancer patients and their families with access to nurses who have specialized training in specific cancers. These nurses serve primarily as facilitators and guides. By answering questions, providing support and serving as a trusted source of science-backed information at each phase of treatment, Hoag’s Clinical Nurse Navigators are a critical resource for patients during diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Explore Hoag’s Clinical Nurse Navigator program.
What are the treatment options for penile cancer?
Treatment options for penile cancer depend on many factors, including how advanced the cancer is when detected, your age and any other health issues you may have. If the cancer is caught early, it can sometimes be treated with special skin creams or with external beam radiation. Hoag offers treatments for more-advanced penile cancer that vary from patient to patient, but may include:
- Surgery, in which cancerous tissue is excised
- Local excision
- Topical therapies
- Partial or radical penectomy
- Lymph node dissection
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
Surgery and advanced treatments at Hoag
Facing surgery can be a frightening prospect, but it is a vital component of the successful treatment of many urologic cancers. The Hoag Family Cancer Institute’s medical team includes experienced, fellowship-trained urologic oncologists who utilize the latest techniques and technology in the surgical management of many different urologic cancers, including cancer of the penis.
Robotic-assisted surgery
To help patients recover faster and return to normal activities sooner, Hoag surgeons utilize the da Vinci® Surgical System to perform robot-assisted minimally invasive surgeries in some cases. Find more information about advanced robotic surgeries at Hoag at this link.
Non-surgical options
Hoag’s non surgical options, including chemotherapy and radiation therapies, are world-class as well. Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian was recently named a Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Center of Excellence (RTCoE) by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), a distinction held by only 17 centers in the U.S. including Stanford Health Care, Harvard Medical School and the University of California — San Francisco.
Hoag Family Cancer Institute’s Radiation Oncology Program offers personalized services to treat urologic cancers. Explore advanced treatment technologies for urologic cancers available at Hoag.
Integrated Cancer Support Services at Hoag
At Hoag Family Cancer Institute, we’re committed to offering the best support services, resources and educational information to our patients and their families at every stage of their cancer journey. Hoag’s Integrated Cancer Support Services are open to everyone regardless of their prognosis, cancer stage or phase of recovery.
Resources include:
- Classes & Workshops
- Counseling Services
- Hoag’s Fitter Image Exercise Program
- Support Groups
- Hoag Rehabilitation Services
- Spiritual Care Services
- Oncology Massage
- Oncology Dietitians
- Financial Navigators for cancer-related care
Find more information about Integrated Cancer Support Services at Hoag at this link.
Are there any clinical trials for penile cancer?
Hoag is committed to leading the way in state-of-the-art technologies and advanced treatment options. Part of this commitment includes clinical research with the goal of helping patients live longer, healthier lives. Through carefully-planned clinical trials, researchers evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases or conditions. Treatments studied in clinical trials might be new drugs or new combinations of drugs, new surgical procedures or devices, or new ways to use existing treatments. View clinical trials for penile cancer at Hoag here.
At Hoag, our clinical research team is committed to excellence in research and a continuing commitment to protect the interests and well-being of patients. Contact us at 949-536-7332 to see if joining a clinical trial for penile cancer is right for you.
At Hoag, we understand that a cancer diagnosis may cause you and your family to experience a variety of significant life changes. We are committed to providing you with support before, during and after treatment. Hoag’s survivorship resources help you navigate through the challenges of telling friends and family about your cancer, working while living with cancer, returning to “normal” after cancer and so much more. We strive to provide you with the resources needed to feel empowered in your everyday life.