Scottish referral guidelines for suspected cancer
This cancer is rare, with around 90 new cases each year in Scotland but its incidence is rising1.
Penile cancer
Urgent suspicion of cancer (USC) referral
Refer a person with any of the following to the Urology Service as a USC:
- Unexplained bleeding or persistent discharge from underneath the foreskin
- Penile mass or ulcerated lesion, when a sexually transmitted infection has been excluded as a cause
- Persistent penile lesion after treatment for a sexually transmitted infection has been completed
Assessment for suspected penile cancer
Sexually transmitted infection should be excluded and treated before considering referral.
Presenting features include:
- Swelling or irritation in the head of the penis
- Thickening of the skin of the foreskin or penis
- Changing skin colour of the foreskin or penis
- Lumps or sores on the penis which may bleed
- Discharge or bleeding from underneath the foreskin