What to expect from tumour removal surgery for penile cancer

Your surgical plan depends on the tumour's position, size, depth and whether nearby lymph nodes need assessment. A surgeon may remove the tumour with a margin of surrounding tissue, or may need to remove part of the penis when a smaller operation would not safely clear the cancer. The team discusses how urination, appearance, erections and sexual activity may be affected before consent.

The removed tissue is examined after surgery. This helps the team confirm the diagnosis, assess the edges of the specimen and decide whether further treatment or monitoring is needed. Anaesthesia, a wound, swelling and temporary changes in urine flow are common parts of the immediate recovery plan.

Before admission, tell the team about medicines, allergies and any difficulty passing urine. Arrange transport and practical help at home. After surgery, follow wound-care and washing instructions, keep scheduled reviews and take pain relief as directed. Ask when you may drive, work, exercise and resume sexual activity; these answers depend on the operation and healing.

Contact your surgical team promptly for increasing redness, swelling, wound separation, pus, fever, worsening pain or bleeding that does not settle. Seek urgent care if you cannot pass urine, develop sudden severe pain, or feel faint with heavy bleeding.

Ask which operation is recommended and why, how much tissue may be removed, how urination and sexual function could change, whether lymph nodes will be assessed, how the wound will be managed, and when pathology results will guide the next appointment.