Changes to the penis can sometimes be harmless, especially when caused by irritation, dryness, infection, or an allergic reaction. However, certain persistent changes should never be ignored.

Penile cancer is uncommon, but recognizing possible warning signs early can make a difference. A change in appearance does not automatically mean cancer, but unusual symptoms that persist or worsen should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

1. A Persistent Change in Skin Texture

One warning sign can be a persistent area where the skin becomes noticeably thicker, rougher, scaly, or different from the surrounding skin.

Temporary dryness or irritation may improve after removing the cause. A persistent change deserves medical attention.

2. A New Lump or Growth

A lump, bump, or growth on the penis that does not go away should be examined.

It may have many causes, including benign skin conditions, cysts, infections, or other abnormalities. However, a persistent growth should not be diagnosed at home.

3. A Sore That Doesn’t Heal

An ulcer, wound, or sore that remains open or repeatedly returns is one of the changes that warrants medical evaluation.

This is particularly important if the area bleeds, becomes painful, or gradually becomes larger.

4. Changes in Skin Color

Watch for a persistent area of unusual discoloration, including:

• Red patches
• White patches
• Darkened areas
• Bluish or brownish changes
• Areas that look noticeably different from the surrounding skin

Color changes can have many non-cancerous causes, so examination is necessary to determine what is actually happening.

5. Unexplained Bleeding

Bleeding from a lesion or from beneath the foreskin without an obvious injury should be evaluated.

Occasional bleeding after trauma may have an obvious explanation, but unexplained or recurring bleeding should not be ignored.

6. Unusual Discharge

A persistent discharge from beneath the foreskin or from the opening of the penis can occur with infections and other conditions.

If discharge is accompanied by an unpleasant odor, pain, bleeding, or a visible lesion, seek medical evaluation.

7. Persistent Itching or Irritation

Itching is extremely common and usually has causes other than cancer.

Fungal infections, dermatitis, allergies, soaps, sweating, and other skin conditions can all cause itching.

However, persistent itching accompanied by a visible lesion or skin change should be checked by a doctor.

8. Swelling of the Penis

Unexplained swelling that persists or repeatedly returns deserves attention, particularly when accompanied by a lump, sore, discoloration, or difficulty retracting the foreskin.

9. Difficulty Retracting the Foreskin

In an uncircumcised man, new difficulty pulling the foreskin back can sometimes be associated with inflammation, scarring, infection, or other problems.

If the change develops suddenly or becomes severe, medical evaluation is important.

10. Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Groin

The lymph nodes in the groin can become enlarged for many reasons, including infections.

However, persistent or unexplained lumps in the groin, particularly when accompanied by a penile lesion, should be evaluated.

What Does the Image Show?

The type of skin change shown in an online image cannot be reliably diagnosed from a photograph alone.

A rough, wrinkled, thickened, or irritated appearance may result from several conditions. Some can be completely benign, while others require treatment.

Therefore, an unusual-looking penis should not automatically be labeled as cancer based on an image.

Other Conditions Can Look Similar

See more on the next page