Penile cancer is uncommon but highly aggressive if untreated. Risk factors include poor genital hygiene, phimosis, chronic inflammation, HPV infection, and smoking.

Patients often present with a non-healing penile lesion, ulcer, or growth, sometimes with discharge or bleeding. Delay in seeking care is common due to embarrassment. In advanced stages, inguinal lymph node involvement occurs.

Diagnosis is made via biopsy. Imaging (MRI, CT, PET) assesses local invasion and nodal spread.

Treatment depends on stage. Early lesions can be treated with organ-sparing approaches such as laser excision, glansectomy, or partial penectomy. Advanced cases may require total penectomy with perineal urethrostomy.

Management of lymph nodes is critical—sentinel node biopsy or inguinal lymph node dissection is performed for high-risk cases.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be used in advanced or metastatic disease.

Prognosis is excellent when detected early, with organ-preserving approaches maintaining function and appearance. Advanced disease has poorer outcomes, highlighting the need for early diagnosis.