Why Choose Us for Penile Cancer Care
At Huntsman Cancer Institute, you receive expert, multidisciplinary care for penile cancer. Your care team includes urologic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and supportive care specialists. Together, we design a personalized treatment plan that’s focused on your needs and goals. Our approach combines evidence-informed care, advanced technology, and compassionate support to help you achieve the best possible outcome while preserving your quality of life.
“My doctor is thorough, caring, and, most of all, considerate of my feelings."
—Penile Cancer Patient
Treatments We Offer
Treatment depends on your cancer stage, location, and overall health. These are common options:
- Surgery to remove the primary tumor or affected tissue
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Biologic therapy, or immunotherapy, which uses the body’s own immune system to target cancer cells
Our Expertise
As the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center serving the Mountain West, we’re here to offer you the latest treatments and the highest level of care available. Here are just a few of our areas of expertise:
- Diagnosing early penile cancer, which is often curable when caught early
- Using an integrated approach to treatment planning, combining surgery, radiation, systemic therapies, and patient preferences
Patient Care Philosophy
We believe no one should face cancer alone. Our dedicated and world-renowned doctors, nurses, and medical staff are at the forefront of patient-centered care. We treat the whole person, not just their cancer.
Each day, our medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists work together across disciplines to create and coordinate treatment plans for every patient. We understand cancer is a complex disease. That is why we use a team approach that includes social workers and support groups, as well as wellness and integrative health services such as acupuncture, massage, creative arts, and more.
Find a Penile Cancer Doctor
Penile Cancer Research
Huntsman Cancer Institute is actively researching new treatments and strategies for penile cancer through our speciality Genitourinary Cancers Disease Center. Our research team collaborates nationally and internationally to bring innovations from the lab to the clinic, ensuring our patients have access to cutting-edge therapies.
Our research spans multiple areas:
- Immunotherapy and biologic treatments, investigating immune-based therapies to target penile cancer cells and improve survival in advanced disease.
- HPV-related research, studying the role of human papillomavirus in penile cancer to enhance prevention, early detection, and targeted treatment strategies.
- Treatment optimization studies, researching the best combinations of surgery, radiation, and systemic therapy to maximize cancer control while minimizing side effects.
- Patient outcomes research, monitoring long-term quality of life, sexual health, and functional outcomes after treatment to guide care planning.
Our clinical trials explore surgical innovations, systemic therapies, immunotherapy, and precision medicine approaches to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Clinical Trials
Make an Appointment with a Penile Cancer Specialist
To make an appointment with a penile cancer specialist, fill out our appointment form or call 801-587-7000. Our team will determine if your insurance covers treatment at Huntsman Cancer Institute or if you need a referral from a primary care doctor.
External providers can refer a patient using the online referral form or by calling 801-587-7000 to speak to a patient registration specialist.
Penile Cancer Basics
Penile cancer arises when cancerous cells develop in the tissues of the penis. About one-third of cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
These are warning signs of penile cancer:
- Lump or sore on the penis
- Redness or irritation
- Other changes in skin appearance or lesions that do not heal
Many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions. If you are experiencing any concerning signs, please schedule a screening today.
These are risk factors for penile cancer:
- HPV infection
- Being age 60 or older
- Phimosis, or tight foreskin
- Poor hygiene
- Multiple sexual partners
- Tobacco use
Understand your risk. Schedule a genetic counseling session today.
Doctors may use these tests to diagnose penile cancer:
- Physical exam and medical history
- Tissue biopsy to examine cells under microscope
When a person is diagnosed with cancer, concerns about treatments and side effects, hospital stays, and medical bills are common. Huntsman Cancer Institute offers many ways to support patients, caregivers, and loved ones.
Stages are used to determine how far the cancer has spread:
- Stage 0: Cancer is only in the top layer of skin (carcinoma in situ), no invasion.
- Stage 1: Tumor has spread to connective tissue beneath the skin but not deeper structures; no lymph node involvement.
- Stage 2: Tumor has spread to deeper tissues (corpus spongiosum or cavernosum) or urethra; still no lymph node involvement.
- Stage 3: Tumor has spread to lymph nodes.
- Stage 4: Tumor has spread to distant organs or extensively into nearby structures.
When cancer spreads (metastasizes), the disease remains classified as penile cancer in the new location.
Need help navigating your care? The Cancer Learning Center is here to support you with personalized guidance, resources, and answers to your questions.
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