Treatments for penile cancer

If you have penile cancer, your healthcare team will create a treatment plan just for you. It will be based on your health and specific information about the cancer. When deciding which treatments to offer for penile cancer, your healthcare team will consider:

  • the type of cancer
  • the stage of the cancer
  • the location of the cancer on the penis
  • your overall health
  • what you prefer or want

Expert review and references

  • American Cancer Society. Penile Cancer. 2015. http://www.cancer.org/.
  • American Society of Clinical Oncology. Penile Cancer. 2014.
  • National Cancer Institute. Penile Cancer Treatment (PDQ®). 2016. http://www.cancer.gov/.
  • Richter S, Ruether JD, Wood L, Canil C, Moretto P, et al. Management of carcinoma of the penis: consensus statement from the Canadian Association of Genitourinary Medical Oncologists (CAGMO). Canadian Urological Association Journal. 2013.
  • Trabulsi E.J. & Gomella L.G. Cancer of the urethra and penis. DeVita VT Jr, Lawrence TS, & Rosenberg SA. Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology. 9th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2011: 98 pp:1272-1279.
  • Penile Cancer: The Basics. University of Pennsylvania. OncoLink. Reviewed ed. University of Pennsylvania; 2011.

Treatments for stage 0 penile cancer

The following are treatment options for stage 0 penile cancer. Stage 0 penile cancer includes carcinoma in situ and verrucous carcinoma. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer.

Treatments for stage 1 penile cancer

The following are treatment options for stage 1 penile cancer. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer.

Treatments for stage 2 penile cancer

The following are treatment options for stage 2 penile cancer. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer.

Treatments for stage 3 penile cancer

The following are treatment options for stage 3 penile cancer. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer.

Treatments for stage 4 penile cancer

The following are treatment options for stage 4 penile cancer. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer.

Treatments for recurrent penile cancer

The following are treatment options for recurrent penile cancer. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer. The treatment for recurrent cancer depends on where the cancer comes back and what treatments were used before.

Surgery for penile cancer

Surgery is the primary treatment for penile cancer. The type of surgery you have depends mainly on the size of the tumour, stage of the cancer, depth of the tumour and type of tumour.

Radiation therapy for penile cancer

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. It is sometimes used to treat penile cancer.

Drug therapy for penile cancer

Chemotherapy is sometimes used to treat penile cancer. The role of chemotherapy in treating penile cancer is still evolving.

Follow-up after treatment for penile cancer

Penile cancer behaves differently in each man, and a standard follow-up schedule would not work for everyone. Men with penile cancer should talk to their doctor about a follow-up plan that suits their individual situation. Follow-up care is often shared among the cancer specialists (oncologists), surgeon, urologist and family doctor.

Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

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