Treatment for penile cancer

Your treatment depends on several factors. These include what type of penile cancer you have, how big it is and whether it has spread (the stage). It also depends on your general health. 

The main treatments for penile cancer are surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 

Your doctor may recommend treatment with lasers or creams for very early penile cancer, or penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN). 

You may also have treatment to reduce the symptoms and help you feel better. A team of doctors and other professionals discuss the best treatment and care for you.

Preparing for treatment and life afterwards (prehabilitation)

There are things you can do to help you feel more in control of your health when preparing for treatment. This is called prehabilitation or prehab.

Treatment options for penile cancer

The main treatments for cancer of the penis are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Your treatment depends on a number of factors such as how big the cancer is and whether it has spread. 

Surgery for penile cancer

Surgery is the most common treatment for penile cancer. Find out about the different types of surgery for penile cancer. 

Radiotherapy for penile cancer

Radiotherapy uses high energy waves similar to x-rays to destroy penile cancer cells.

Chemotherapy for penile cancer

Chemotherapy uses anti cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. You might have it as part of your treatment for penile cancer.

Other treatments for penile cancer

Your doctor might recommend laser treatment or creams for very early penile cancer, or penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN). 

Follow up after penile cancer treatment

At first, you usually have follow up appointments every few months to check how you are.

Last reviewed: 
07 Feb 2024
Next review due: 
07 Feb 2027