Overview
Adenocarcinoma of the penis is an extremely rare type of cancer that develops in the glandular cells of the penis. Unlike the more common squamous cell carcinoma of the penis, adenocarcinoma arises from mucus-producing glands or other glandular tissue in the penile skin, urethra, or accessory glands (such as Cowper's glands, Littre's glands, or sweat glands). Because it is so uncommon, it is often diagnosed at a later stage when symptoms become more noticeable. Symptoms may include a lump or mass on the penis, unusual discharge from the urethra, bleeding, pain, or changes in the skin of the penis. Some patients notice swelling in the groin area due to enlarged lymph nodes. The disease can spread to nearby lymph nodes and, in advanced cases, to distant organs. Treatment depends on the stage and location of the tumor. Options may include surgery (ranging from local excision to partial or total penectomy), radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Because this cancer is so rare, treatment plans are often individualized and may be guided by approaches used for other penile cancers or adenocarcinomas at other body sites. Early detection and treatment offer the best chance for a favorable outcome. Patients are typically managed by a multidisciplinary team including urologists, oncologists, and surgeons with experience in rare cancers.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
A lump or growth on the penisUnusual discharge from the tip of the penisBleeding from the penisPain in the penisChanges in the color or texture of penile skinThickening of the skin on the penisSwollen lymph nodes in the groinDifficulty urinating or changes in urine streamA sore or ulcer on the penis that does not healFoul-smelling dischargeUnexplained weight loss in advanced casesFatigue in advanced cases
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
FDA & Trial Timeline
9 eventsChristian Hinrichs — PHASE1, PHASE2
Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center — PHASE1
Fudan University — PHASE2
Christian Hinrichs — PHASE2
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
University of Utah — PHASE2
National Cancer Institute (NCI) — PHASE2
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute — PHASE2
National Cancer Institute (NCI) — PHASE1
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
1 availableAbraxane
ABRAXANE is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, in combination with gemcitabine.
Rare Disease Specialist
Rare Disease Specialist
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Adenocarcinoma of the penis.
Community
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Start the conversation →Latest news about Adenocarcinoma of the penis
Disease timeline:
New recruiting trial: E7 TCR-T Cell Immunotherapy for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Associated Cancers
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Adenocarcinoma of the penis
New recruiting trial: E7 T-cell Receptor (TCR) -T Cell Induction Therapy for Locoregionally Advanced HPV-associated Cancers
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Adenocarcinoma of the penis
New recruiting trial: Determining the Biodistribution of an Imaging Tracer (68Ga-FAPi-46) in Patients With Solid Tumors or Hematologic Cancers
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Adenocarcinoma of the penis
New recruiting trial: Ivonescimab in the Treatment of Multiple Advanced Tumors
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Adenocarcinoma of the penis
New recruiting trial: Sacituzumab Govitecan With or Without Atezolizumab Immunotherapy in Rare Genitourinary Tumors (SMART) Such as High Grade Neuroendocrine Carcinomas, Adenocarcinoma, and Squamous Cell Bladder/Urinary Tract Cancer, Renal Medullary Carcinoma and Penile C...
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Adenocarcinoma of the penis
New recruiting trial: A Multi-Center Natural History of Urothelial Cancer and Rare Genitourinary Tract Malignancies
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Adenocarcinoma of the penis
New recruiting trial: Testing the Effectiveness of Two Immunotherapy Drugs (Nivolumab and Ipilimumab) With One Anti-cancer Targeted Drug (Cabozantinib) for Rare Genitourinary Tumors
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Adenocarcinoma of the penis
New trial: Salvage Oligometastasectomy and Radiation Therapy in Recurrent Prostate Cancer
Phase PHASE2 trial recruiting. Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What specific type and stage of penile cancer do I have, and what does that mean for my treatment options?,What are the benefits and risks of each treatment option, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy?,How will treatment affect my urinary and sexual function?,Are there any clinical trials available for this type of cancer?,What follow-up care and monitoring will I need after treatment?,Can you refer me to a specialist or cancer center with experience treating rare penile cancers?,What psychological or emotional support services are available to me and my family?
Common questions about Adenocarcinoma of the penis
What is Adenocarcinoma of the penis?
Adenocarcinoma of the penis is an extremely rare type of cancer that develops in the glandular cells of the penis. Unlike the more common squamous cell carcinoma of the penis, adenocarcinoma arises from mucus-producing glands or other glandular tissue in the penile skin, urethra, or accessory glands (such as Cowper's glands, Littre's glands, or sweat glands). Because it is so uncommon, it is often diagnosed at a later stage when symptoms become more noticeable. Symptoms may include a lump or mass on the penis, unusual discharge from the urethra, bleeding, pain, or changes in the skin of the p
How is Adenocarcinoma of the penis inherited?
Adenocarcinoma of the penis follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Adenocarcinoma of the penis typically begin?
Typical onset of Adenocarcinoma of the penis is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Are there clinical trials for Adenocarcinoma of the penis?
Yes — 7 recruiting clinical trials are currently listed for Adenocarcinoma of the penis on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Which specialists treat Adenocarcinoma of the penis?
20 specialists and care centers treating Adenocarcinoma of the penis are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.