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Penile cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the epithelial tissues of the penis, and more than 95% of cases are squamous cell carcinomas. The tumor most commonly arises in the glans, inner prepuce, and coronal sulcus. Early disease usually presents as a localized lesion, whereas advanced disease may invade the corpora cavernosa and metastasize to inguinal lymph nodes.
1. Squamous cell carcinoma
The most common type, accounting for more than 95% of cases, including subtypes such as verrucous carcinoma and basaloid carcinoma.
2. Carcinoma in situ
An early lesion category, including Bowen disease and erythroplasia of Queyrat.
3. Rare types
Include basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, sarcoma, and other uncommon malignancies.
4. Classification by growth pattern
Includes exophytic type (papillary growth) and infiltrative type (deep invasive growth).
5. Classification by degree of differentiation
Includes well-, moderately-, and poorly differentiated tumors; poorly differentiated tumors have the highest malignant potential.
1. HPV infection
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, especially HPV 16 and 18, is an important risk factor for penile cancer.
2. Phimosis or redundant foreskin
Long-term accumulation of smegma and chronic local irritation increase the risk of penile cancer.
3. Poor hygiene
Poor personal hygiene is closely associated with the development of penile cancer.
4. Smoking
Smoking significantly increases the risk of penile cancer and other malignancies.
5. Chronic inflammation
Long-standing inflammatory conditions such as balanitis and balanoposthitis may promote malignant transformation.
6. Ultraviolet exposure
Ultraviolet exposure is considered a potential contributing factor in some cases.
7. Immunosuppression
Risk is increased in immunosuppressed states, such as after organ transplantation.
8. Age
The incidence of penile cancer rises significantly in men older than 50 years.
1. Personal hygiene maintenance
Clean the penis daily and thoroughly remove smegma. Keep the area dry and clean to reduce bacterial growth.
2. HPV vaccination
Eligible males should receive HPV vaccination to prevent infection with oncogenic HPV types. Vaccination before sexual debut provides long-term protection.
3. Circumcision
Circumcision in infancy or childhood can significantly reduce risk. Adult men with phimosis or redundant foreskin may also benefit from surgical treatment.
4. Smoking cessation and alcohol limitation
Complete smoking cessation is recommended to avoid carcinogenic stimulation. Limiting alcohol intake and maintaining a healthy lifestyle help support immune function.
5. Regular self-examination
Perform monthly self-examination of the penis and look for new skin lesions, ulcers, or other abnormalities. Seek medical evaluation promptly if changes are detected to enable early diagnosis and treatment.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that although penile cancer is relatively uncommon, its consequences can be substantial, and early symptoms are often overlooked. Strengthening prevention awareness is essential. Good hygiene, HPV vaccination, and regular self-examination are strongly recommended. If suspicious symptoms occur, prompt medical evaluation is necessary for definitive diagnosis. Early detection and standardized treatment can effectively preserve organ function and significantly improve prognosis.
Penile cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the epithelial tissues of the penis, and more than 95% of cases are squamous cell carcinomas. The tumor most commonly arises in the glans, inner prepuce, and coronal sulcus. Early disease usually presents as a localized lesion, whereas advanced disease may invade the corpora cavernosa and metastasize to inguinal lymph nodes.
1. Squamous cell carcinoma
The most common type, accounting for more than 95% of cases, including subtypes such as verrucous carcinoma and basaloid carcinoma.
2. Carcinoma in situ
An early lesion category, including Bowen disease and erythroplasia of Queyrat.
3. Rare types
Include basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, sarcoma, and other uncommon malignancies.
4. Classification by growth pattern
Includes exophytic type (papillary growth) and infiltrative type (deep invasive growth).
5. Classification by degree of differentiation
Includes well-, moderately-, and poorly differentiated tumors; poorly differentiated tumors have the highest malignant potential.
1. HPV infection
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, especially HPV 16 and 18, is an important risk factor for penile cancer.
2. Phimosis or redundant foreskin
Long-term accumulation of smegma and chronic local irritation increase the risk of penile cancer.
3. Poor hygiene
Poor personal hygiene is closely associated with the development of penile cancer.
4. Smoking
Smoking significantly increases the risk of penile cancer and other malignancies.
5. Chronic inflammation
Long-standing inflammatory conditions such as balanitis and balanoposthitis may promote malignant transformation.
6. Ultraviolet exposure
Ultraviolet exposure is considered a potential contributing factor in some cases.
7. Immunosuppression
Risk is increased in immunosuppressed states, such as after organ transplantation.
8. Age
The incidence of penile cancer rises significantly in men older than 50 years.
1. Personal hygiene maintenance
Clean the penis daily and thoroughly remove smegma. Keep the area dry and clean to reduce bacterial growth.
2. HPV vaccination
Eligible males should receive HPV vaccination to prevent infection with oncogenic HPV types. Vaccination before sexual debut provides long-term protection.
3. Circumcision
Circumcision in infancy or childhood can significantly reduce risk. Adult men with phimosis or redundant foreskin may also benefit from surgical treatment.
4. Smoking cessation and alcohol limitation
Complete smoking cessation is recommended to avoid carcinogenic stimulation. Limiting alcohol intake and maintaining a healthy lifestyle help support immune function.
5. Regular self-examination
Perform monthly self-examination of the penis and look for new skin lesions, ulcers, or other abnormalities. Seek medical evaluation promptly if changes are detected to enable early diagnosis and treatment.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that although penile cancer is relatively uncommon, its consequences can be substantial, and early symptoms are often overlooked. Strengthening prevention awareness is essential. Good hygiene, HPV vaccination, and regular self-examination are strongly recommended. If suspicious symptoms occur, prompt medical evaluation is necessary for definitive diagnosis. Early detection and standardized treatment can effectively preserve organ function and significantly improve prognosis.