Penile cancer develops in or on the penis. Cancer starts when cells begin to grow out of control. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer, and can spread to other areas in the body. To learn more about how cancers start and spread.
Cancers Of The Penis
Each type of tissue in the penis contains several types of cells. Different types of penile cancer can develop from these cells. The differences are important because they determine the seriousness of the cancer and the type of treatment needed.
Almost all penile cancers start in skin cells of the penis.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
About 95% of penile cancers develop from flat skin cells called squamous cells. Squamous cell carcinoma (also known as squamous cell cancer) can develop anywhere on the penis.
Most of these cancers occur on the foreskin (in men who have not been circumcised) or on the glans. These tumors tend to grow slowly. If they are found at an early stage, they can usually be cured.
