Diagnosis and investigations

In the UK, men diagnosed with penile cancer will be referred to a regional specialist centre or supranetwork. These centres have surgeons who specialise in treating penile cancer, along with supportive services.

St. George’s Hospital, London (Tooting)
University College Hospital, London, Euston Square
The Christie Hospital, Manchester
The Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust
The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Trust
Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust
Sunderland Royal Hospital, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust
University Hospitals Birmingham
The Gartnavel General Hospital (Glasgow and Clyde)
The Western General Hospital (Lothian)

As well as an MRI or CT scan, men may undergo a Dynamic Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy to determine the extent of the disease (see video below). This procedure can cause lymphoedema.

Following a Multi-Disciplinary Team discussion (MDT) of all results, treatment will be recommended and will usually involve surgery. The aim of surgical treatment is to preserve as much of the penis as possible while removing all the cancer.

Reviewed November 2023