Penile Mass: When Should Someone Worry and Seek Care?

OBJECTIVES

We present a summary of penile cancer, its epidemiology, risk factors, and possible clinical presentations. We discuss a range of penile lesions that indicate an underlying penile malignancy. We also consider some nonmalignant penile lesions that may be confused with penile cancer.

DATA SOURCES

Sources of information include original research articles, review journal articles, and textbooks, which have been referenced in the article.

CONCLUSION

Penile cancer is a rare disease, although geographical variations exist. Due to this rarity, many health care professionals may overlook a diagnosis of penile cancer. Malignant penile lesions may often be confused with benign lesions and vice versa. One needs to have a high index of suspicion to not overlook this important diagnosis.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Referral to specialists should be made if malignancy is suspected, if the diagnosis is uncertain, or if the lesion persists despite reasonable treatment with steroids and other creams.