Can penile cancer be treated without removing the penis?

Yes, in early-stage penile cancer (Tis, Ta, T1) organ-preserving treatment is possible in over 70% of cases. Options include topical chemotherapy (5-FU or imiquimod cream), CO2 or Nd:YAG laser ablation, wide local excision, and glansectomy with reconstruction. Dr. Rahul Pradhan in Bhubaneswar specialises in organ-preserving surgery that retains sexual, urinary and cosmetic function whenever oncologically safe.

When is partial or total penectomy needed for penile cancer?

Partial penectomy is recommended when the tumour is larger than 4 cm, has invaded the corpora cavernosa (T2 or higher), or cannot be cleared with a 5–10 mm margin while preserving function. Total penectomy with perineal urethrostomy is reserved for advanced T3/T4 tumours involving the proximal shaft or urethra. Both surgeries are done at our Bhubaneswar centre with curative intent and a 5-year survival of 70–90% when combined with proper lymph node management.

Is lymph node surgery necessary for penile cancer?

Inguinal lymph node management is the single most important factor for survival in penile cancer. Patients with T1b or higher tumours need either dynamic sentinel node biopsy (DSNB) or modified inguinal lymphadenectomy, and bulky nodes may require radical ilio-inguinal dissection plus chemotherapy. Proper lymph node treatment improves 5-year survival from under 30% to over 80% in node-positive cases.

What is the cost of penile cancer treatment in Bhubaneswar?

The cost of penile cancer treatment in Bhubaneswar typically ranges from ₹60,000 to ₹3,50,000 depending on the stage, type of surgery, and need for lymph node dissection or reconstruction. Organ-preserving laser or local excision starts around ₹60,000–₹1,20,000, while partial/total penectomy with inguinal lymphadenectomy ranges between ₹1,80,000 and ₹3,50,000. Most insurance plans, CGHS, BSKY and Ayushman Bharat cover penile cancer surgery at our centre.

Penile Cancer Treatment in Bhubaneswar

Creator: Dr. Rahul Pradhan
Published: 2026-01-15

Penile cancer is rare but highly treatable when detected early. Dr. Rahul Pradhan, a consultant urologist and uro-oncologist in Bhubaneswar, offers complete penile cancer care, from early diagnosis to organ-preserving surgery, partial or total penectomy, and inguinal lymph node management. Trained at Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation Bengaluru, with 300+ major robotic surgeries, he brings world-class uro-oncology care to patients across Odisha.

300+

Robotic Surgeries

MCh

Urology Degree

FMAS

Minimal Access

9+

Years Experience

Did You Know?

The second most frequently diagnosed cancer among men worldwide is prostate cancer. The disease continues to increase in India but people still lack proper understanding about it and screening tests for early detection remain infrequent. A disease detection test exists which uses a basic PSA blood test to identify cancer at its initial treatable stage. Men above 50 — or 45 with a family history — should consider annual screening.

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Types of Penile Cancer Treated by Dr. Rahul Pradhan

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Over 95% of cases. Presents as a non-healing sore, ulcer, or wart-like growth on the glans or foreskin.

Carcinoma In Situ (CIS)

Early, non-invasive form limited to surface skin. Treated with topical therapy, laser, or circumcision.

Verrucous Carcinoma

Slow-growing, wart-like variant that rarely spreads but needs surgical removal.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Rare, slow-growing, usually managed with local excision.

Melanoma

Very rare but aggressive. Needs wide excision and lymph node evaluation.

Sarcoma

Extremely uncommon, arising from connective tissue. Requires specialised surgical planning.

Causes of Penile Cancer?



HPV Infection: HPV-16 and HPV-18 are linked to nearly half of all penile cancers.

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Phimosis: Inability to retract the foreskin traps smegma and bacteria, causing chronic irritation.

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Poor Genital Hygiene: Long-term smegma build-up is a recognised risk factor. Childhood circumcision lowers this risk significantly.

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Smoking: Smokers have two to three times the risk of non-smokers.

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Age: Most cases occur in men over 50, though HPV or phimosis can affect younger men.

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Chronic Inflammation: Conditions like lichen sclerosus raise the risk of malignant transformation.

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Immunosuppression: HIV, organ transplant recipients, and those on long-term immunosuppressants face higher risk.

Staging of Penile Cancer

Staging describes how far the cancer has spread and directly guides treatment.

Stage 0 (Carcinoma In Situ)

Cancer limited to surface skin. Cure rate near 100% with topical therapy, laser, or circumcision.



Stage I

Invaded tissue beneath the skin, no lymph node spread. Organ-preserving surgery often possible.

Stage II

Grown into deeper structures like the corpus spongiosum or urethra. Partial penectomy may be needed.

Stage III

Spread to groin lymph nodes. Combined surgery with lymph node dissection, sometimes chemotherapy or radiation.

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Stage IV

Spread to pelvic lymph nodes, adjacent structures, or distant organs. Treated with multimodal therapy.

Tumour grade (how abnormal the cells look) also shapes treatment. High-grade tumours behave more aggressively regardless of stage.

How to Diagnose Penile Cancer ?

Step 1

Clinical Examination

Physical check of the penis, foreskin, glans, and groin lymph nodes.

Step 2

Penile Biopsy

A small tissue sample confirms cancer, identifies type, and determines grade.

Step 3

Expanded

HPV Testing

HPV status is checked on the biopsy, as it influences prognosis and treatment.

Step 4

Expanded

MRI of the Penis

Shows how deep the cancer has invaded. Critical for choosing between organ-preserving surgery and penectomy.

Step 5

Expanded

Lymph Node Evaluation

Groin nodes assessed by examination, ultrasound, and FNAC. Sentinel node biopsy may be used in high-risk cases.

Step 6

Expanded

Staging Scans

CT or PET-CT of the pelvis, abdomen, and chest checks for pelvic node involvement and distant spread.

Step 1

Clinical Examination

Physical check of the penis, foreskin, glans, and groin lymph nodes.

Step 2

Penile Biopsy

A small tissue sample confirms cancer, identifies type, and determines grade.

Step 3

Expanded

HPV Testing

HPV status is checked on the biopsy, as it influences prognosis and treatment.

Step 4

Expanded

MRI of the Penis

Shows how deep the cancer has invaded. Critical for choosing between organ-preserving surgery and penectomy.

Step 5

Expanded

Lymph Node Evaluation

Groin nodes assessed by examination, ultrasound, and FNAC. Sentinel node biopsy may be used in high-risk cases.

Step 6

Expanded

Staging Scans

CT or PET-CT of the pelvis, abdomen, and chest checks for pelvic node involvement and distant spread.

What Treatment Options are Available for Penile Cancer in Bhubaneswar

Topical Therapy

5-fluorouracil or imiquimod creams clear early, non-invasive disease without surgery.

Laser Ablation

CO2 or Nd:YAG laser destroys superficial tumours with minimal tissue damage.

Circumcision

For cancers limited to the foreskin, circumcision alone may be curative.

Wide Local Excision and Glans Resurfacing

Removes the tumour with a margin of healthy tissue, often with a skin graft.

Glansectomy

Removal of the glans with preservation of the shaft. Reconstruction maintains appearance.

Partial Penectomy

Removal of the affected portion while preserving enough length for standing urination and, often, sexual function.

Total Penectomy

Reserved for large, deeply invasive cancers. A perineal urethrostomy is created for urination.

Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection

Removal of groin lymph nodes when involved or at high risk. Critical for controlling spread.

Radiation Therapy

Used when surgery is not an option, for organ preservation, or after surgery for lymph node areas.

Chemotherapy

Cisplatin-based combinations used for advanced disease or to shrink large tumours before surgery.

Our Approach and Procedure

Private, Respectful Consultation

Confidential discussion of symptoms and examination in a private, comfortable setting.

Rapid Diagnostic Workup

Biopsy, imaging, and lymph node evaluation completed within a week.

Honest Treatment Discussion

Every option explained clearly, including implications for urination, sexual function, and follow-up.

Organ-Preserving Surgery When Possible

Whenever safe, surgery preserves as much of the penis as possible without compromising cancer control.

Multidisciplinary Coordination

Medical oncology, radiation oncology, and reconstructive surgery involved early for advanced cases. Coordinated care is also extended to patients with related conditions such as bladder cancer.

Long-Term Follow-Up

Regular visits for at least five years to catch recurrence early.

—– Urology Specialist in Bhubaneswar

Why Choose Dr. Rahul Pradhan for Penile Cancer?

Penile cancer is rare, and most general surgeons see only a handful of cases in their career. Outcomes depend heavily on the experience of the treating team. A specialist who handles these cases regularly knows when organ preservation is safe, when larger surgery is needed, and how to manage the groin lymph nodes correctly.

MBBS, MS, MCh (Urology): complete surgical and urological training.

Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Uro-Oncology: trained at Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation, Bengaluru.

300+ Major Robotic Surgeries: including complex oncological procedures.

FMAS: laparoscopic and robotic expertise.

Organ-Preserving Philosophy: maximum preservation of function and appearance whenever safely possible.

Privacy and Dignity: confidential consultations in a respectful environment.

For patients across Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, and the rest of Odisha, this means complete penile cancer care, alongside related uro-oncology services such as testicular cancer, without leaving the state.

—– Common Questions —–

FAQs

What does early penile cancer look like?

A small sore, ulcer, white patch, or thickened skin that does not heal within three to four weeks. Any persistent skin change on the penis should be evaluated by a urologist.

Is penile cancer curable?

Yes. Early-stage cure rates are often above 85%. Even advanced cases are treatable with combined surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Will I lose my penis if I have penile cancer?

Not usually. Most early cases are treated with organ-preserving surgery. Partial or total penectomy is reserved for deeply invasive disease.

Can I still have sex after penile cancer treatment?

Many men maintain sexual function after organ-preserving surgery, glansectomy, or partial penectomy. Pre-operative counselling helps set realistic expectations.

Does HPV cause penile cancer?

Many men maintain sexual function after organ-preserving surgery, glansectomy, or partial penectoa

Yes. HPV-16 and HPV-18 are linked to nearly half of all penile cancers. HPV vaccination and good hygiene significantly reduce risk.

my. Pre-operative counselling helps set realistic expectations.

Is circumcision a treatment for penile cancer?

Circumcision alone can cure cancers limited to the foreskin. Childhood circumcision is one of the most effective ways to prevent penile cancer later in life.