Penile cancer is rare, with around 90 new cases each year in Scotland but its incidence is rising.
D.M. & H.S. – 18/2/26
Who to refer
Refer the following patients as Urgent Suspicion of Cancer:
- If penile lesion due to suspected STI persists despite treatment
- Penile lesion which is ulcerated, a hard lesion or a mass arising from the penile skin
- Red patches which have not responded to hygiene measures and moderately potent steroid after 4 weeks
- Phimosis with mass under the foreskin
- Phimosis with unexplained bleeding or persistent discharge from under the foreskin
Refer the following patients routinely:
- If recurrent balanitis with or without unretractile foreskin which hasn’t responded to recommended treatment
- Phimosis with no unexplained bleeding or persistent discharge
- Subcutaneous penile shaft induration/plaque/lump which is not visible – is likely to be Peyrones disease
Who not to refer
- Lesions due to STI – refer to GUM
- Red patches which haven’t been treated with good hygiene and moderate steroid treatment for 2-4 weeks
- Phimosis with no unexplained bleeding or persistent discharge where the patient does not wish to consider surgery Balanitis or dermatitis without trial of conservative measures (see above)
How to refer
Via Sci-Gateway WGH > Urology > LI Basic Sign Referral (a penile condition Sci-Gateway Pathway is currently under development)
Information for patients about Peyronies disease https://www.baus.org.uk/patients/information_leaflets/97/peyronies_disease
