Penile & Testicular Cancer Care
Assessment and surgical management of penile cancer, testicular cancer and selected complex genital tumours, with consideration of cancer control, function, reconstruction and fertility where clinically appropriate.
- Penile cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Testicular masses
- Testis-sparing surgery
- Paratesticular tumours
- Fertility considerations
Many penile and scrotal abnormalities have benign causes. Persistent penile lesions and new testicular lumps should, however, be appropriately assessed rather than diagnosed from appearance or symptoms alone.
Penile Cancer & Testicular Cancer
Penile and testicular cancers are different diseases with different investigations, treatment options and implications. Start with the pathway that is most relevant to your concern.
Penile Cancer
Persistent abnormalities involving the glans, foreskin or penile skin may require examination and, in selected cases, biopsy or further investigation.
- Persistent penile sore or ulcer
- New lump or growth
- Bleeding or abnormal discharge
- Persistent skin or colour change
- Penile intraepithelial neoplasia
- Previous biopsy showing penile cancer
Testicular Cancer
A new lump, focal firmness or persistent change in the size or consistency of a testicle warrants assessment, including when it is painless.
- New testicular lump
- Ultrasound-detected testicular mass
- Change in testicular size or consistency
- Suspected or confirmed testicular cancer
- Fertility planning before treatment
- Testicular prosthesis considerations
Function, Fertility & Reconstruction Matter
Cancer treatment is planned around appropriate oncological management. Where clinically possible, treatment planning can also consider the consequences for urinary function, sexual function, fertility, hormone production and reconstruction.
Penile cancer
Depending on the diagnosis and stage, treatment planning may involve consideration of penile preservation, urinary function and reconstruction.
Explore genital reconstruction →
Testicular cancer
Fertility and endocrine considerations may be relevant before treatment, particularly for men who wish to have children in the future.
Explore male fertility care →
Related Specialist Pathways
Some penile and testicular problems overlap with fertility, reconstruction or benign scrotal conditions. These pathways provide additional information where relevant.
Scrotal & Testicular Conditions
For benign scrotal conditions, testicular prostheses, undescended testis and other non-cancer testicular problems.
Explore testicular conditions →Male Fertility
For semen analysis, impaired sperm production, fertility preservation and fertility concerns related to testicular disease or treatment.
Explore male fertility →Genital Reconstruction
For complex penile or genital reconstruction following cancer, previous surgery, tissue loss or another reconstructive condition.
Explore reconstruction →Your Assessment Pathway
The appropriate investigation and treatment pathway depends on the site of the abnormality, examination findings, imaging, pathology and individual circumstances.
Assessment
Symptoms, examination, previous imaging, pathology and relevant medical history are reviewed.
Diagnosis
Appropriate investigations may include ultrasound, blood tests, biopsy or review of existing pathology.
Treatment Planning
Treatment options and relevant implications for function, fertility and reconstruction are discussed.
Treatment & Follow-Up
Surgery and multidisciplinary care are coordinated where required, followed by an appropriate surveillance plan.
Travelling to Brisbane?
Patients travelling from interstate or overseas may provide existing medical information before travelling. This can help identify what additional assessment may be required and assist with planning.
Penile & Testicular Cancer FAQ
Does a penile lesion mean I have penile cancer?
No. There are several non-cancerous causes of penile skin changes and lesions. A persistent ulcer, lump, bleeding area or lesion that does not heal should, however, be appropriately assessed.
Does penile cancer always require removal of the penis?
No. Treatment depends on the location, extent and stage of the disease. Penile-preserving approaches may be appropriate for selected patients, while more extensive surgery may be required in other circumstances.
Is a testicular cancer lump usually painful?
Testicular cancer can present without pain. A new persistent lump, focal firmness or change in the testicle therefore deserves assessment even when it does not hurt.
Does every testicular mass require removal of the whole testicle?
No. The appropriate approach depends on the clinical situation. Testis-sparing surgery may be considered in selected circumstances, but it is not appropriate for every testicular mass and oncological safety remains central to treatment planning.
Why is a history of undescended testis relevant?
Previous or persistent undescended testis is relevant to a patient's testicular history and can also have implications for testicular function and fertility. Individual assessment depends on previous treatment, examination and the current clinical problem.
Read about undescended testis →Will testicular cancer treatment affect fertility?
Fertility implications vary according to baseline testicular function, the other testicle and whether additional treatment is required. Fertility preservation can be discussed before treatment when clinically appropriate.
Can I have a testicular prosthesis?
A testicular prosthesis may be considered when a testicle is removed or has previously been lost. Whether and when it is appropriate depends on individual circumstances and patient preference.
Read about testicular prosthesis →What if my lump is beside rather than inside the testicle?
A mass arising from the epididymis, spermatic cord or tissues surrounding the testicle is described as paratesticular. These lesions have a different range of possible diagnoses and may require a different surgical approach from an intratesticular mass.
Read about paratesticular tumours →Need to arrange an assessment or contact the practice?
Use the appointment pathway to arrange a consultation, or contact the practice if you have an administrative question about an existing or proposed appointment.
Concerned About a Penile or Testicular Change?
You do not need to know whether an abnormality is cancer before arranging an assessment. A new testicular lump, persistent penile lesion, abnormal ultrasound or concerning biopsy result can be assessed and an appropriate next step discussed.
Information on this page is general in nature and does not replace individual medical advice. Investigation and treatment recommendations depend on the diagnosis, examination findings, imaging, pathology, previous treatment and individual circumstances.