What should you know about primary penile melanoma?

Primary penile melanoma is a rare skin or mucosal cancer that begins on the penis and requires prompt specialist assessment. It may present as a new or changing dark patch, spot, lump or sore, but appearance alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

Melanoma develops from pigment-producing cells and can occur on genital skin or mucosal surfaces. A lesion may alter in colour, border, size or surface, or it may bleed or fail to heal. Other conditions can cause penile colour or texture changes, so a clinician must examine the area and use tissue assessment when needed. The original lesion and its spread pattern guide staging and treatment.

Arrange a prompt appointment with a dermatologist, urologist or appropriate cancer specialist for a new or changing lesion. Assessment may lead to Surgical Excision or another Skin Cancer Surgery plan. If melanoma is confirmed, the team may discuss Tumour Removal Surgery and, in selected situations, a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. Avoid applying irritating creams or attempting to remove the lesion yourself.

Seek prompt care for bleeding, an open sore, rapid change, persistent pain, a firm groin lump or difficulty passing urine. Urgent assessment is needed for heavy bleeding, severe swelling, inability to urinate, fever with wound changes or feeling acutely unwell. After diagnosis, new persistent symptoms or neurological symptoms such as confusion, weakness or seizures need rapid medical attention because advanced melanoma can affect distant organs, including Brain Metastases.

Ask what the examination and biopsy show, how much tissue needs assessment, whether lymph nodes or scans are relevant, and how treatment may affect urination, sexual function and appearance. Discuss Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment and whether Immunotherapy is appropriate for the findings.