Penile Cancer
Penile cancer, or cancer of the penis, is when cells grow out of control on or in a man’s penis. It often starts in skin cells and can work its way inside.
It’s rare. But it can be treated, especially if it’s found early on.
There are several types of penile cancer
- Squamous cell or epidermoid carcinoma. This makes up 95% of penile cancer cases. It usually starts on or under your foreskin but can also appear on other parts of your penis.
- Sarcoma. These cancers form in tissues like blood vessels, muscle, and fat.
- Melanoma. This is cancer that starts in the cells that give your skin color.
- Basal cell carcinoma. These cancers start deep in your skin. They grow slowly and aren’t likely to spread to other areas of your body.
Symptoms
- Changes in skin thickness or color
- A rash or small crusty bumps on your penis; it can look like an unhealed scab.
- Growths that look bluish-brown
- A lump on your penis
- A bad-smelling discharge underneath your foreskin
- A sore on your penis, which may bleed
- Swelling at the end of your penis
- Lumps under the skin of your groin