Cancer of Penis

Penile cancer develops when malignant cells in your penis grow out of control. Your penis is a rod-shaped reproductive organ that allows you to pee and have sex. Its main parts include the rod-like part (shaft) that extends from your low belly to the tip of your penis, called the head, or glans. If you’re uncircumcised, a layer of skin called the foreskin covers the head. If you’re not circumcised, the head of your penis is exposed.

Cancer can form anywhere in your penis, but it most commonly starts on the head or foreskin (if you’re uncircumcised).

What are the types of penile cancer?

Ninety-five percent of penile cancers are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This type of cancer forms in the top part of your skin layer called the epithelium. Other, less common types of penile cancer form in different types of tissue:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): Cancer begins in the bottom layer of your epithelium. BCC is a slow-growing form of penile cancer.
Melanoma: This cancer begins in cells that control how dark or light your skin is, called melanocytes. Melanoma is a more aggressive form of cancer.
Sarcoma: Cancer develops in muscle or connective tissue. It’s an extremely rare form of penile cancer.

Cancer of Penis

What are the types of penile cancer?

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