Signs and Symptoms of Penile Cancer

Penile cancer is a type of cancer that begins on or in the penis, an external male sex organ. The penis is also part of the urinary system and is made up of skin, smooth muscle, nerves, and blood vessels. The main part of the penis is called the shaft, and the tip is called the glans. 

Penile cancer is rare in North America and Europe. There are about 2,050 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. 

The most common symptom of penile cancer is a change in the skin. You may notice a bump, open sore, or area of thickened skin on the penis. Other symptoms may include swelling, changes in color, and discharge. 

Skin Changes

The most common symptoms of penile cancer involve skin changes. It is important to remember that most skin changes on the penis are caused by less serious conditions such as an infection. 

The first sign of penile cancer is usually a change in the skin at the tip of the penis called the glans. If you are uncircumcised, a skin change may occur on the foreskin (the sheath of skin that covers the glans). 

Skin symptoms of penile cancer may include:

• An area of thickened skin
• A new lump or bump
• Small bumps that crust over
• An open sore or blister 
• Change in the skin color 
• Red rash
• A bluish-brown, flat growth
• Abnormal, foul-smelling discharge 

Skin symptoms associated with penis cancer are usually painless. If you have an open sore or a rash that is painful, it is likely due to another cause.

Swelling

In addition to skin changes, another symptom of penile cancer is swelling. You may notice swelling in the glans. It may also feel difficult to draw back the foreskin because of inflammation. 

Swelling may also occur in the lymph nodes if cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes usually feel like a hard, smooth lump under the skin. 

The lymph nodes most commonly affected by penile cancer are located in the groin. When they are swollen, they feel like bean-sized bumps. Infections can also cause these lymph nodes to become inflamed. 

Symptoms by Cancer Type

There are different types of cancers that can affect the penis. The most common type is squamous cell carcinoma, which occurs when cancer affects the squamous cells in the middle and outer layers of your skin. About 95% of penile cancer cases are classified as squamous cell carcinoma. This type can affect any area of the penis but most commonly starts on the glans or foreskin. 

Squamous cell carcinoma tends to grow slowly and includes these subtypes:

• Verrucous carcinoma: Appears as a large genital wart that grows slowly
• Carcinoma in situ (CIS): This early stage of squamous cell carcinoma starts in the top layers of skin.

Other, less common types of penile cancer include:

• Melanoma: Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that spreads quickly and rarely develops on the penis. 
• Basal cell carcinoma: This type of skin cancer can form on a small portion of the penis.
• Adenocarcinoma (Paget disease of the penis): This very rare type of cancer starts in the sweat glands in the skin of the penis.  
• Sarcoma: Sarcoma can develop in the blood vessels, smooth muscle, or connective tissue in the penis. 
  

Non-Cancerous Symptoms That Look Like Penile Cancer

If you are experiencing skin changes or swelling in the penis, know that there are many non-cancerous causes that could be contributing to it. These benign causes are treatable and may include:

• Genital warts (condylomas): Small sores that look like tiny cauliflowers and are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Bowenoid papulosis: This condition is also caused by HPV and presents as small reddish-brown spots on the penis.
• Eczema: This common skin condition can affect any skin on your body, including your penis.
• Pearly penile papules: These are small, harmless, skin-colored growth that originate in the blood vessels of the penis.
• Lichen planus: This is an itchy, reoccurring rash that can turn into scaly patches. Like eczema, it can occur anywhere on the body.

Symptoms in Children

It is extremely rare for children to be diagnosed with penile cancer. If your child develops symptoms like penile swelling or a new lump, see your child’s healthcare provider. 

Symptoms in Men/Women

Penile cancer is not common but can affect anyone with a penis, regardless of the gender a person identifies with. 

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider 

If you notice any painless changes on your penis such as a lump or sore, see your healthcare provider. Penile cancer is not common, so the cause of your symptoms may be an infection or other benign condition. Either way, it's better to see your healthcare provider so they can treat you and get you on the road to recovery.

A Quick Review 

Penile cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the tissues in the penis. The penis is the external male sex organ. Penile cancer is not common; there are about 2,050 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. 

Common symptoms of penile cancer include skin changes and swelling. Swelling may affect both the penis and the lymph nodes. The skin changes may include areas of thickened skin, color changes, new bumps, and open sores.