Overview
Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (also called penile squamous cell carcinoma or penile cancer) is a rare type of cancer that starts in the flat, thin cells called squamous cells that line the surface of the penis. It is the most common type of penile cancer, making up about 95% of all penile cancers. The disease most often affects the glans (head) of the penis or the foreskin, but it can also develop on the shaft. The cancer usually begins as a slow-growing sore, lump, or area of thickened skin on the penis. Early on, it may look like a reddish patch, a wart-like growth, or a non-healing ulcer. If left untreated, the cancer can grow deeper into the tissue and spread to nearby lymph nodes in the groin and eventually to other parts of the body. Key risk factors include infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), not being circumcised, poor hygiene, smoking, and a condition called phimosis (tight foreskin). Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and may include surgery (ranging from minor procedures to partial or total removal of the penis), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these. When caught early, the outlook is generally good, with high survival rates. However, advanced disease that has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs is much harder to treat. Early detection is critical for the best outcomes.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
A sore or ulcer on the penis that does not healA lump or thickened area on the penisReddish, velvety rash on the glans or foreskinWart-like growth on the penisBleeding from the penis or under the foreskinFoul-smelling discharge under the foreskinChange in skin color on the penisSwollen lymph nodes in the groinPain in the penis (usually in later stages)Difficulty pulling back the foreskin (phimosis)Crusty bumps on the penisFlat, bluish-brown growths on the penis
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Late onset
Begins later in life, typically after age 50
FDA & Trial Timeline
3 eventsThe Netherlands Cancer Institute — NA
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute — PHASE2
Institute of Cancer Research, United Kingdom — PHASE3
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
1 availableBlenoxane
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: penis
Rare Disease Specialist
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 Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
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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 stage is my cancer, and has it spread to the lymph nodes or other areas?,What are my treatment options, and is organ-preserving surgery possible in my case?,What are the side effects and long-term consequences of each treatment option?,How will treatment affect my urinary and sexual function?,Is my cancer related to HPV, and does that affect my treatment or prognosis?,How often will I need follow-up visits after treatment, and what will they involve?,Are there any clinical trials available for my type and stage of penile cancer?
Common questions about Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis
What is Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis?
Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (also called penile squamous cell carcinoma or penile cancer) is a rare type of cancer that starts in the flat, thin cells called squamous cells that line the surface of the penis. It is the most common type of penile cancer, making up about 95% of all penile cancers. The disease most often affects the glans (head) of the penis or the foreskin, but it can also develop on the shaft. The cancer usually begins as a slow-growing sore, lump, or area of thickened skin on the penis. Early on, it may look like a reddish patch, a wart-like growth, or a non-healing
How is Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis inherited?
Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis typically begin?
Typical onset of Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis is late onset. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Are there clinical trials for Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis?
Yes — 3 recruiting clinical trials are currently listed for Squamous cell carcinoma 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 Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis?
25 specialists and care centers treating Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.