Penile Cancer

Experts at UMass Memorial Health understand that learning you have penile cancer can feel overwhelming. This diagnosis often comes with a sense of embarrassment and worries about your future.

At UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, you’ll find the region’s only fellowship-trained urologists with experience in this challenging cancer. We offer highly specialized care and maintain a record of successful outcomes — even for advanced cancers. We treat you with the compassion and respect you deserve so you can focus on getting better.

Types of Penile Cancer We Treat

Penile cancers typically start near the foreskin or tip of the penis. There are many types. Our team delivers exceptional care for all of them, including: 

• Adenocarcinoma
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Melanoma
• Sarcoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Verrucous carcinoma

Our Penile Cancer Services

We develop a personalized treatment plan based on the location and severity of the cancer. For early-stage penile cancer, we offer treatments that help preserve the physical appearance and function of the penis. We also offer surgery for penile cancer in more advanced stages. Experts tailor services to your needs with a focus on your quality of life. 

Treatments for Small and Early-Stage Penile Cancers

We offer a variety of options for eliminating cancerous growths from the surface and top layers of the penis. You may benefit from chemotherapy creams, laser treatments or MOHS surgery, an in-office dermatology procedure. 

Surgery for Penile Cancer

Penectomy is the primary treatment for large or advanced cancers. This surgical procedure removes part or all of the penis. We may also perform reconstructive surgery to help restore appearance as well as urinary and sexual function. 

Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection (RPLND) 

If there is a concern the cancer has spread, you may need a procedure called retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND). It involves removing tissue from the back of the abdomen. We use robotic urologic surgery, which is precise and gentler on your body. This service is not widely available in the region.

Chemotherapy and Medical Oncology

Advanced penile cancer treatment sometimes includes chemotherapy. We may use medical therapies before a penectomy to shrink the tumor or after surgery to eliminate remaining trace levels of cancer. Get more information about medical oncology and chemotherapy.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy helps a small number of patients with advanced penile cancer avoid surgery. It also lowers the risk of recurrence after penectomy. Our nationally recognized program delivers focused therapies and maintains the highest standards for safety and quality.