TNM staging of penile cancer

TNM staging of penile cancer describes the primary lesion, lymph nodes, and distant spread. It gives your care team a shared framework for discussing treatment and further tests.

T describes the size, depth and local structures involved by the penile tumour. N describes whether nearby groin or pelvic lymph nodes contain cancer and how those nodes are affected. M records spread to distant parts of the body. Examination, biopsy and imaging can contribute, while surgery or node sampling may provide more detailed pathological information.

The staging label does not describe your identity or determine every decision. Tumour grade, its exact position, your general health and the effects of treatment also matter. Your clinician can explain whether the stage is based on information available before treatment or on tissue examined afterwards.

Ask for your exact T, N and M categories and which results are confirmed. Discuss whether the groin nodes need imaging, sampling or another assessment. Treatment can involve tumour removal surgery, radiotherapy or a combination, depending on the findings and the aim of care. Ask how treatment may affect urination, sexual function, appearance, mobility and wound care, and who will support you with those concerns.

Contact your clinical team promptly for increasing pain, bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, fever, difficulty passing urine, or a rapidly changing wound or lump in the groin. Seek urgent help if you cannot pass urine, have heavy bleeding, feel faint or become severely unwell. These problems require assessment whether staging is complete or still being arranged.

What do my T and N categories show about local and lymph-node involvement? Is there evidence of M disease? Do I need further imaging or node sampling? What treatment preserves as much function as safely possible for my situation?