What is Penile Cancer?

Penile cancer is a rare malignancy that accounts for less than 1% of all cancers in men in the United States and Europe; however, it is more common in developing countries. Penile cancer starts in the penis, which is an external organ in the male urinary and reproductive systems that passes urine and semen out of the body. Penile cancer begins when malignant cells form in the tissues of the penis.

Types of Penile Cancer

There are different types of penile cancer, depending on the type of cell from which it begins:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The most common form of penile cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which makes up about 95% of all cases of the disease. Squamous cell carcinomas begin in the thin, flat cells in the top layer of the skin. These tumors most often form on the foreskin or head, but may form anywhere on the penis. These tumors usually have a good prognosis and are not very aggressive.

• Basal Cell Carcinoma: About 2% of penile cancers are basal cell carcinomas, which begin in the round cells in the layer of skin below the epidermis. These tumors are usually slow-growing and not very aggressive.

• Melanoma: Melanoma of the penis is rare and accounts for about 2% of penile cancers. Melanoma is a very aggressive form of skin cancer that begins in cells called melanocytes, which are located deep in the epidermis and produce the pigment that colors your skin. Melanoma rarely occurs on areas of skin that are not exposed to sun. For more information, please see Understanding Melanoma.

• Sarcoma: Sarcoma of the penis is very rare and accounts for about 1% of penile cancers. Sarcomas develop in the connective tissues of the body, such as muscles, joints, nerves, tendons, fat, and blood vessels. Please see Understanding Soft-tissue Sarcoma for more information.