Most cancers of the penis affect the skin covering the penis (foreskin), or the head or tip (glans) of the penis.
The most common symptoms are:
- a growth or sore that does not heal within 4 weeks
- a rash
- bleeding from the penis or under the foreskin
- a smelly discharge
- thickening of the skin of the penis or foreskin that makes it difficult to pull back the foreskin (phimosis)
- a change in the colour of the skin of your penis or foreskin
Other symptoms of penile cancer include:
- a lump in the groin
- feeling tired
- stomach pain
- losing weight without trying
See a GP if you have:
- any changes to how your penis looks
- discharge or bleeding from your penis
- any of the other symptoms of penile cancer
- had treatment for your symptoms that has not helped in the time that it should
Important
Having these symptoms does not definitely mean you have penile cancer. But it's important to get them checked by a GP.
This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early can make it more treatable.
The GP may examine your penis and ask you to have a blood test.
They'll ask you:
- what your symptoms are
- when they started
- if you’ve used anything to treat them, and if it’s made it better or worse
They may refer you to see a specialist in hospital for more tests.
This may be an urgent referral, usually within 2 weeks, if you have certain symptoms. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.
Find out more
Cancer Research UK: referral to a specialist for symptoms that could be caused by penile cancer
18 November 2021
