Treatments for penile cancer

Your healthcare team will create a treatment plan just for you. The plan is based on your health and specific information about the cancer. What you want is also important when planning treatment. When deciding which treatments to offer for penile cancer, your healthcare team will consider:

  • the type of penile cancer
  • the grade of the cancer
  • the stage of the cancer
  • the size and location of the tumour
  • if the cancer has spread to any lymph nodes
  • your overall health
  • your lifestyle and what you want or prefer

If the penile cancer is found early, your doctor will usually try to treat the cancer while keeping the penis, or as much of the penis as possible (called an organ-sparing approach). This approach aims to maintain the appearance and function of the penis, but it may not be possible for everyone. Organ-sparing approaches include using topical drugs, laser surgery and other surgeries that only remove the tumour from the top layers of the skin or the head of the penis.

If the penile cancer is found at a more advanced stage, it may be necessary to remove part or all of the penis.

Surgery is the main treatment for penile cancer. Radiation therapy is often used to treat penile cancer. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy may also be used.

Surgery for penile cancer

Surgery is a medical procedure to examine, remove or repair tissue. Penile cancer is usually treated with surgery.

Radiation therapy for penile cancer

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

Chemotherapy for penile cancer

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. Topical chemotherapy is often used for stage 0 penile cancer. Systemic chemotherapy is sometimes used for advanced penile cancer.

Immunotherapy for penile cancer

Penile cancer is sometimes treated with immunotherapy. It helps strengthen the immune system to fight cancer.

Follow-up after treatment for penile cancer

Follow-up is an important part of care for penile cancer. It often involves regular tests and visits with the healthcare team.

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