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WHAT IS PENIS CANCER?

Cancer of the penis is very rare, with 631 men being diagnosed with the disease in the UK each year.

It is most often diagnosed in men over the age of 60, but younger men can also be affected, with around 25 per cent of cases diagnosed in men younger than 50.

However, according to Macmillan Cancer Support there were just two men aged between 25 and 29 diagnosed with penile cancer in 2016. 

It is is usually a slow growing cancer and if caught early before further spread the chances of survival are high and around 75 per cent of men diagnosed with penile cancer will survive the disease.

Unfortunately most men tend to ignore potential penile cancer symptoms for some time which leads to a delay in diagnosis. 

Symptoms can include:

  • A growth or ulcer on the penis, especially on the glans or foreskin.
  • Changes in the colour of the penis.
  • Skin thickening on the penis.
  • Persistent discharge with foul odour beneath the foreskin.
  • Blood coming from the tip of the penis or under the foreskin.
  • Unexplained pain in the shaft or tip of the penis.
  • Irregular or growing bluish-brown flat lesions or marks beneath the foreskin or on the body of the penis.
  • Reddish, velvety rash beneath the foreskin.
  • Small, crusty bumps beneath the foreskin.
  • Irregular swelling at the end of the penis.

Source: Orchid

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