Penile Cancer: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate penile carcinoma (penile cancer):

  • Exophytic (cauliflower-like) tumor/papillary tumor or, less commonly, ulcerative (oozing, bleeding; further possible: nodular (nodule-like) or flat
  • Lymphadenopathy (lymph node enlargement) in the inguinal area (groin area; advanced symptom).

Preliminary stages of penile carcinoma

  • Uncharacteristic, painless skin lesions (red or white spot; nodular changes; possibly also contact bleeding or bleeding tendency) that progressively increase in size and with an increase in enlargement also show hardening
  • Bloody purulent discharge from the preputial sac (foreskin sac).

Localization of the primary localization

Localization Frequency (%)
Glans penis (glans) 48
Preputium (foreskin leaf) 21
Preputium, glans penis and penile shaft 14
Preputium and glans penis 9
Sulcus coronarius (transition of the glans to the penile body is marked by the penile furrow (sulcus coronarius)) 6
Penis shaft < 2

Notice:

  • The corpus cavernosum (erectile tissue) is affected in approximately 30% of cases.
  • It is not uncommon for penile carcinoma to hide under a phimotic prepuce (constricted foreskin).

Warning signs (red flags)

  • Non-healing wound in the area of the glans penis (glans) or inner preputial leaf (foreskin leaf) → think of: Penile carcinoma