Question 1

What does penile cancer look like in the early stages?

Accepted Answer

Early penile cancer often appears as a persistent lesion on the penis. It may look like a small, raised bump or wart, a flat red, brown or bluish patch, or an open sore (ulcer) that won’t heal.

Question 2

Is penile cancer curable in stage 1?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Penile cancer is highly treatable at stage 1 when it has not spread. Surgery or radiation can often remove all cancer while preserving most of the penis.

Question 3

How fast does penile cancer grow?

Accepted Answer

Penile cancer usually grows slowly. Early tumors often take months to become noticeable. However, the growth rate varies between individuals and rare aggressive tumors can advance more rapidly. Because it tends to be slow, there is time to treat it effectively if caught early.

Question 4

Which surgeries are used for penile cancer?

Accepted Answer

Treatment is tailored to the tumor size and stage. For small early tumors, surgeons may remove only the lesion or perform a circumcision if the foreskin is involved. Larger tumors often require partial penectomy to ensure all cancer is gone.

Question 5

Can penile cancer kill you if untreated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If penile cancer is not treated, it can continue to grow and eventually spread to other parts of the body. Advanced, untreated penile cancer can be fatal.

Penile Cancer: Causes, Early Symptoms, Staging & Treatment Guide