Penile Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention (2025 Updated Guide)

Introduction

Penile cancer is one of the rarest cancers in men, accounting for less than 1% of male cancers worldwide. While uncommon, it carries a heavy emotional and physical burden for those affected. The good news is that when detected early, penile cancer is often highly treatable—with survival rates exceeding 90% in localized cases.

However, global trends show that cases are rising in some regions, and by 2050, incidence may increase by 77%. This makes awareness, prevention, and timely diagnosis more critical than ever.

This guide provides a clear breakdown of penile cancer causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, survival rates, and prevention tips—all updated with the latest data as of 2025.

Global Statistics and Current Trends

• Worldwide burden: In 2020, there were an estimated 36,068 new penile
•  and 13,211 deaths.
• Incidence: Around 0.84 cases per 100,000 men annually, though rates vary by region.
• High-risk regions:
  • Uganda: ~2.2 per 100,000 men
  • Brazil: ~2.1 per 100,000 men
  • Higher burdens are also noted in parts of Asia, Africa, and South America.
• Low-risk regions: North America averages ~0.5 cases per 100,000 men.
• United States (2025 estimates):
  • 2,190 new cases
  • 510 deaths
• Future projections: Global cases are expected to increase significantly due to aging populations, HPV prevalence, and lifestyle risk factors.

👉 Key takeaway: While rare, penile cancer is on the rise in certain regions, making education and prevention strategies vital.

Causes and Risk Factors of Penile Cancer

The exact cause of penile cancer is not fully understood, but research shows that genetic changes combined with lifestyle and health factors play a significant role.

1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection

• Persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains, especially HPV-16, is strongly linked to penile cancer.
• HPV is also responsible for other cancers, including cervical and anal cancer.

2. Poor Genital Hygiene

• Uncircumcised men who do not regularly clean under the foreskin may experience smegma buildup, leading to chronic irritation and inflammation.

3. Phimosis

• A condition where the foreskin cannot be retracted.
• Increases the risk of infection, inflammation, and penile cancer.

4. Smoking

• Tobacco chemicals damage DNA and suppress immunity, making smokers several times more likely to develop penile cancer.

5. Age

• Most cases occur in men over 50, though recent reports suggest an increase among younger men in some regions.

6. Other Risk Factors

• Lichen sclerosus (chronic inflammatory skin condition).
• HIV/AIDS or immunosuppression.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.

👉 Important Note: Circumcision, particularly if performed in infancy, is associated with a reduced risk of penile cancer.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Penile Cancer

Recognizing symptoms early can make a life-saving difference.

Common Warning Signs:

• Persistent sores or ulcers on the penis that do not heal.
• Lumps or growths are often painless at first.
• Changes in skin color or texture (red patches, thickening, rash).
• Discharge under the foreskin, sometimes with a foul odor.
• Bleeding or unusual secretions.
• Swelling or lumps in the groin indicate lymph node involvement.

👉 If any of these symptoms last more than two weeks, seek medical attention immediately.

Diagnosis and Staging

How Doctors Diagnose Penile Cancer:

1. Physical Examination – Checking for sores, growths, or skin changes.
2. Biopsy – A small tissue sample is tested under a microscope.
3. Imaging Tests – MRI, CT, ultrasound, or PET scans to see if cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other organs.

Staging (TNM System):

• Stage 0–I: Cancer is limited to the skin or foreskin.
• Stage II–III: Cancer has grown deeper or spread to lymph nodes.
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs.

👉 Accurate staging is essential to guide treatment and predict survival outcomes.

Treatment Options for Penile Cancer

Treatment depends on the stage of cancer, overall health, and patient preference.

1. Surgery

• Tumor excision: Removes only the cancerous growth while preserving most of the penis.
• Partial penectomy: Removal of part of the penis.
• Total penectomy: Removal of the entire penis, required in advanced cases.
• Lymph node removal is performed if cancer has spread to the groin.

2. Radiation Therapy

• Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
• It can be used as a primary treatment for small tumors or after surgery to reduce recurrence risk.

3. Chemotherapy

• Topical creams for very early stages.
• Systemic chemotherapy drugs for advanced cancer are often combined with radiation or surgery.

4. Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy

• Newer treatments that help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
• Currently under research but showing promising results.

Survival Rates and Prognosis

Survival rates vary greatly depending on how early the cancer is detected.

• Localized cancer (no lymph nodes involved): ~96% survival at 10 years.
• Regional spread (lymph nodes affected): ~50% survival at 5 years.
• Distant metastasis: ~12% survival at 5 years.

👉 Key message: Early detection saves lives. Routine self-checks and timely doctor visits are essential.

Prevention: Reducing Your Risk

While not all cases are preventable, several strategies lower the risk of penile cancer:

1. HPV Vaccination

• Protects against high-risk HPV strains.
• Recommended for boys and men up to age 26; older men may still benefit.

2. Safe Sexual Practices

• Use condoms to lower the risk of HPV and other infections.
• Limit the number of sexual partners.

3. Good Hygiene

• Regular cleaning of the genital area, especially under the foreskin.

4. Quit Smoking

• Reduces not just penile cancer risk but also many other cancers.

5. Regular Checkups

• Early detection through physical examination and self-awareness.

FAQs About Penile Cancer

1. Is penile cancer curable?

Yes. When detected early, penile cancer is highly treatable, with survival rates above 90% in localized cases.

2. Who is most at risk?

Older men, uncircumcised men with poor hygiene, smokers, and men with persistent HPV infections.

3. Does the HPV vaccine protect men, too?

Absolutely. The vaccine helps prevent HPV-related cancers, including penile, anal, and throat cancers.

4. Can penile cancer spread?

Yes, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes and, in advanced cases, to distant organs.

5. What should I do if I notice symptoms?

Seek medical help immediately. Early treatment drastically improves outcomes.

Conclusion

Penile cancer is rare but serious. While it affects fewer than 1 in 100,000 men annually in many parts of the world, incidence is rising globally. The most important facts to remember are:

• HPV infection is the leading risk factor.
• Early symptoms—such as sores, lumps, or skin changes—should never be ignored.
• Early detection offers survival rates over 90%.
• Prevention strategies like HPV vaccination, safe sex, hygiene, and quitting Smoking can significantly lower risk.

By staying informed and proactive, men can protect their health and improve outcomes in the fight against penile cancer.