Skip Navigation

Visiting Dana-Farber? See our prescreening and mask requirements.

About Penile Cancer

  • Penile cancer: a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the penis.

    Penile cancer is a rare cancer that forms in the penis, the male sex organ that passes sperm and urine from the body. The most common type of penile cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in flat cells in the top layer of the skin). It usually forms on or under the foreskin (the loose skin covering the head of the penis). Signs of penile cancer include sores or other skin changes, discharge, and bleeding. Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes about one-third of penile cancer cases. Circumcision (removal of the foreskin) may help prevent HPV and decrease the risk of penile cancer. When found early, penile cancer can usually be cured.

    Learn about penile cancer, and find information on how we support and care for adults with penile cancer before, during, and after treatment.

    The following information is from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).


  • Clinical Trials Questions?

    877-DF-TRIAL
    (877-338-7425)

     

  • Services and Support at Dana-Farber

    new patient coordinators

    Becoming a Patient

    As a new Dana-Farber patient, find answers to questions about your first visit: what to bring, how to find us, where to park, and how to prepare.

    cover supportive resources brochure

    Support Services and Amenities

    We offer a wide range of services, from financial planning to creative arts to spiritual counsel, to support our patients through their cancer experiences.

    patient rating stars

    How Our Patients Rate Dana-Farber

    See patient satisfaction survey results for different Dana-Farber locations collected by Press Ganey, an independent company experienced in patient satisfaction surveying.