Urological cancers
Cancer types
Penile cancer
Prostate, kidney, bladder (including kidney pelvis and ureter), testicular and penile cancers.
Prostate, kidney, bladder (including kidney pelvis and ureter), testicular and penile cancers.
This map explains penile cancer step by step: what it is, the types, the tests, the stages, the treatment and its side effects.
Tap any topic on the map to read about it. Topics with an arrow open more topics.
About 95 out of 100 are squamous cell carcinoma. Pre-cancer changes (penile intraepithelial neoplasia) can be treated with creams or laser.
Tap a test on the map to see why it is done.
Please wait for all the reports. Why we wait
Confirms the cancer, its grade and depth.
Shows how deep the tumour has grown, to plan penis-sparing surgery.
Examination and ultrasound of the groins, with a needle test (FNAC) of any enlarged node. A sentinel node biopsy checks nodes that feel normal. CT or PET-CT if nodes are involved.
Before starting chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy, these tests check that you are fit for treatment, and give a starting point to compare with later.
| Test | Why it is done |
|---|---|
| CBC (complete blood count) | Haemoglobin, white cells and platelets. Treatment can lower them. |
| RFT (kidney function) | Many medicines are cleared by the kidneys; the dose may need to change. |
| LFT (liver function) | Many medicines are processed by the liver. |
| Viral markers: HBsAg, anti-HCV, HIV | Hepatitis B can flare up during treatment. If positive, a tablet is given to prevent this. |
| Blood sugar (and HbA1c if diabetic) | Steroids given with chemotherapy can raise blood sugar. |
| ECG and 2D Echo | Check the heart rhythm and pumping before treatment, as some medicines affect the heart. |
Before immunotherapy, also:
| Test | Why it is done |
|---|---|
| Serum TSH (thyroid) | Immunotherapy can affect the thyroid gland. |
| Serum cortisol (morning sample) | Immunotherapy can affect the adrenal and pituitary glands. |
Sometimes needed, depending on your treatment:
Your doctor will choose the tests that apply to you. Some of them are repeated during treatment.
Tap your stage on the map.
Limited to the penis. No lymph nodes involved. The aim is cure.
Spread to the groin lymph nodes. Still curable in many.
Spread to lymph nodes in the pelvis, fixed groin nodes, or other organs.
Tap your stage on the map.
Side effects: surgery
Side effects: surgery · chemotherapy
Side effects: chemotherapy
Tap a treatment on the map.
Bleeding, fever, a red, hot or swollen groin or leg, or inability to pass urine need urgent care.
This information is general. Your own treatment plan may be different. Please discuss it with your doctor.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr Prathyusha Eaga, MD, DM (Medical Oncology). Last reviewed: 12 October 2026. Based on NCCN and ESMO guidelines.
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