What does a new lump or swelling feel like with penile cancer?

The change may be a lump on the head or shaft, a thickened patch, a growth, or swelling beneath an area that looks different. The skin may become red, darker, crusted, irritated, or ulcerated. There may be tenderness, bleeding, discharge, itching, or discomfort during urination. Some changes are subtle and are easier to notice when the foreskin is gently retracted, if this is comfortable and possible.

Infection, inflammation, injury, or other skin problems can produce similar findings. A lump or sore that persists or changes needs an examination; appearance and touch cannot determine the cause.

Arrange a prompt appointment with a doctor or urology service for a persistent lump, sore, thickened area, bleeding, discharge, or change in colour. Keep the area gently clean and dry, avoid irritating products and friction, and do not attempt to cut, drain, or remove the change.

The clinician may inspect the penis and groin lymph nodes. A small tissue sample may be recommended to identify the cause and guide treatment. Tell the clinician about any difficulty retracting the foreskin or passing urine.

Get urgent care if you cannot pass urine, have heavy bleeding, severe swelling or pain, rapidly worsening redness, fever with feeling very unwell, or a foreskin that is stuck behind the head of the penis and cannot be moved forward.

Ask whether the change needs a biopsy, how to manage pain or irritation, whether groin nodes need checking, and which urinary or skin symptoms require same-day advice.