What is penile cancer?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Penile cancer is a type of cancer developing in the penis. If you have been diagnosed with penile cancer, it is most likely a "squamous cell carcinoma" -- a type of skin cancer. Penile cancer should not be confused with testicular or prostate cancer, which also affect but do not start in the penis.

Continue Learning about Penile Cancer

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

The most important role in caring for someone with penile cancer is to support them in their daily l...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Penile cancer lasts until treatment removes it from your body. Small or early stage cancers may be r...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Worrying about a disease that you have not yet caught is never a good idea. Understanding risk facto...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

In the United States, about 1 in 100,000 men will develop penile cancer (that's about 1% of all canc...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Penile Cancer

A rare cancer of the male reproductive and urinary systems, penile cancer is highly curable when caught early. Mutations in the cells that make up the three chambers of the penis cause this cancer, which affects less than 3,000 American men each year. Most penile cancers are found on the foreskin or the head of the penis called the glans. Although this disease accounts for less than 1% of all cancers in men, your risk increases if you smoke, have an infection caused by the human papillomavirus or are not circumcised. See your doctor if you notice any warts, blisters or other abnormalities on your penis.

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