Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma: What It Is and How It Is Treated

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Avinash Gottumukkala , Urologists

Causes
Find a Doctor
Diagnosis
Treatment
FAQs
Book an Appointment

1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Penile squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that originates in the squamous cells of the penis. It can significantly affect a person's physical and emotional well-being and may lead to complications involving urinary and sexual function, as well as overall quality of life. Early detection and appropriate management are crucial for improving outcomes.

What are the Types of Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Penile squamous cell carcinoma can occur in several histological and clinical subtypes. These forms may differ in their appearance, growth pattern, aggressiveness, and prognosis, which can influence treatment decisions.

Understanding the different types of penile squamous cell carcinoma helps healthcare providers determine the most appropriate management approach.

Verrucous Carcinoma: A rare, well-differentiated type of penile cancer characterized by slow-growing, wart-like growths that generally have a low risk of spreading.
Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A less common subtype that can behave aggressively and has a higher risk of lymph node involvement and spread.
Warty Carcinoma: A subtype that presents with raised, cauliflower-like growths and is often associated with HPV infection.
Papillary Carcinoma: A subtype characterized by finger-like or papillary projections and often associated with a more favorable prognosis when diagnosed early.
Sarcomatoid Carcinoma: A rare, aggressive variant of squamous cell carcinoma with spindle-shaped tumor cells and a higher potential for local invasion and spread.

What are the Symptoms of Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Penile squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that affects the penis. It may present with changes in the skin or other tissues of the penis. Being aware of these signs can help people seek timely medical evaluation.

Pain or discomfort in the penis
Presence of a lump or growth on the penis
Changes in the color or texture of the skin on the penis
Bleeding or discharge from the penis
Difficulty retracting the foreskin
Persistent sore, ulcer, or lesion that does not heal

What are the Causes of Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Penile squamous cell carcinoma can develop due to a combination of factors, including human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, smoking, chronic inflammation, phimosis, and immunosuppression. A history of genital warts may also be associated with an increased risk. Early detection and treatment are important for managing penile squamous cell carcinoma effectively.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Smoking
Chronic inflammation
History of genital warts
Poor genital hygiene
Chronic balanitis
Phimosis
Immunosuppression

When to See a Doctor?

Consult a urologist for medical attention if you notice any unusual or persistent changes in the penis that may suggest Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Lump, growth, or thickened area on the penis
Changes in skin color, texture, or persistent sores
Bleeding, discharge, or difficulty retracting the foreskin
A persistent ulcer or lesion that does not heal

Get medical help immediately if:

Rapidly growing lesion or painful ulcer
Severe bleeding or foul-smelling discharge
Significant swelling in the groin area that may indicate lymph node involvement

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for managing Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma and improving outcomes, so seek medical evaluation when persistent symptoms appear.

Find Urologists for Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment Near You

How Is Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma Diagnosed?

Penile squamous cell carcinoma requires prompt and accurate diagnosis to confirm the cancer and determine its extent. Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination, biopsy, and selected imaging or lymph node evaluation based on the suspected stage of the disease.

Early detection can improve treatment options and may help preserve penile and urinary function when appropriate.

Physical examination: A thorough examination of the penis, including the glans, foreskin, and shaft, is performed to identify suspicious lesions, ulcers, or masses. Nearby lymph nodes, particularly in the groin, may also be examined.
Biopsy: A tissue sample is removed from the suspicious lesion and examined under a microscope to confirm cancer and determine its histological type and grade.
Imaging tests: Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or other imaging studies may be used to assess local tumor involvement, lymph nodes, or possible spread to other parts of the body.
Ultrasound: Penile ultrasound may help assess the depth of tumor invasion and involvement of underlying structures. It may also be used to evaluate regional lymph nodes.
Lymph node evaluation: Sentinel lymph node biopsy, fine-needle aspiration, or other lymph node assessments may be recommended when there is a risk or suspicion of lymph node involvement.

Blood tests may be performed to assess overall health and fitness for treatment, but there are no specific blood tumor markers routinely used to diagnose penile squamous cell carcinoma.

A multidisciplinary approach involving urologists, oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists may be used for accurate staging and treatment planning.

What are the Treatment Options for Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Treatment for penile squamous cell carcinoma depends on factors such as the tumor size, location, depth of invasion, lymph node involvement, cancer stage, and the patient's overall health. Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or systemic therapies for advanced disease.

Surgery: Surgery is the primary treatment for many localized penile squamous cell carcinomas. Depending on the tumor's size, location, and extent, treatment may involve local excision, glansectomy, partial penectomy, or total penectomy.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may be used for selected localized tumors or when surgery is not appropriate. It may also be used in certain cases involving regional or advanced disease.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be recommended for advanced or metastatic disease and may be given before or after surgery in selected patients.
Mohs surgery: Mohs micrographic surgery may be considered for carefully selected small, superficial tumors in locations such as the foreskin or glans when tissue preservation is appropriate.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy may be considered in selected advanced cases, particularly when standard treatment options are limited or when specific tumor characteristics make it appropriate.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Consult Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma Doctors Today

What are the Risk Factors of Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Several factors can increase the risk of developing penile squamous cell carcinoma. These include certain infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, lifestyle factors, and conditions that affect the foreskin or immune system.

Understanding these risk factors can support prevention, early recognition, and timely medical evaluation.