What Are the Symptoms of Penile Cancer?

Although many men with penile cancer have early symptoms, you may have no symptoms until the cancer is in its later stages. You may notice symptoms but think they are due to something other than cancer. Tell your doctor about any changes in the skin of your penis, the color of the skin, or any unusual discharge, such as bleeding or foul odor. In many cases, the first sign of penile cancer is an ulcer, sore, or growth on the penis. The growth is usually painless and shows up on the glans or the foreskin. These are some other symptoms.

• Changes in skin color, thickening of the skin, tissue growth

• A red, velvet like rash

• Bleeding

• Small and crusty bumps

• Flat growths with a bluish brown color

• A discharge under the foreskin, with or without an odor

• Swelling at the tip of the penis, especially if the foreskin is tight

• Swelling in the groin

These symptoms may or may not mean penile cancer. If you have any of them, you should see your doctor right away.