Penile Cancer Treatment Melbourne
Penile cancer is an uncommon but important urological cancer, usually presenting as a persistent lesion, lump or ulcer on the glans or foreskin. Dr Brendan Dias provides thorough assessment, biopsy and staging, followed by individualised treatment ranging from organ-preserving techniques for early disease to partial or total penectomy for more advanced tumours, alongside careful evaluation and management of the inguinal lymph nodes, which strongly influences long-term outcomes. Reconstructive planning and psychological support are integrated throughout treatment.
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr Brendan Dias
Consultant Urologist & Robotic Surgeon · MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Urology), IntFRCS (England), FUSANZ, FRACS (Urology)
Last clinically reviewed: 26 August 2026
Benefits
- Prompt biopsy and staging to confirm diagnosis and guide treatment
- Organ-preserving options for early, superficial tumours where appropriate
- Function-preserving partial penectomy technique when penile preservation is not possible
- Careful inguinal lymph node assessment, including sentinel node biopsy where indicated
- Coordinated multidisciplinary care with medical oncology and plastic surgery
- Structured long-term follow-up to detect recurrence early
- Access to psychological and sexual health support throughout treatment
The Procedure
Assessment begins with clinical examination and biopsy of the suspicious lesion to confirm squamous cell carcinoma, followed by imaging to assess local invasion and inguinal lymph node status. Early, superficial tumours may be managed with topical therapy, laser ablation, or wide local excision preserving penile length and function. More deeply invasive tumours require partial or total penectomy, removing the cancer with adequate margins while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. In men with palpable or biopsy-confirmed inguinal lymph node involvement, or high-risk primary tumour features, inguinal lymph node dissection is performed, sometimes combined with chemotherapy for more advanced nodal disease.
Who Is a Candidate?
Any man with a persistent penile sore, ulcer, lump or skin change lasting more than a few weeks, particularly if uncircumcised or with a history of chronic phimosis or HPV infection, should be assessed for penile cancer. Treatment selection depends on tumour size, depth of invasion, location and lymph node status: superficial distal tumours may be suitable for organ-preserving surgery, while deeper or more proximal tumours require penectomy, and any evidence of inguinal lymph node involvement requires groin surgery as part of curative treatment.
Recovery
Recovery after organ-preserving procedures such as wide local excision is generally quick, with return to normal activity within two to three weeks. After partial penectomy, hospital stay is typically one to three days, with a catheter in place for one to two weeks while the new urethral opening heals, and return to work within two to four weeks. Inguinal lymph node dissection has a longer recovery, with attention to wound healing and management of lymphoedema risk in the leg. Psychological support is offered given the impact of this diagnosis and treatment on body image and sexual function.
Risks & Considerations
Risks vary by procedure. Organ-preserving surgery carries a risk of local recurrence requiring further treatment. Partial or total penectomy carries risks of bleeding, infection, wound breakdown, narrowing of the new urethral opening, and permanent changes to urination and sexual function. Inguinal lymph node dissection carries a meaningful risk of wound complications, infection, and long-term lymphoedema of the leg or scrotum. Dr Dias discusses these risks in detail, alongside the survival benefit of appropriate groin surgery when lymph nodes are involved.