What to Expect With Penile Cancer

At Henry Ford Cancer, you’ll have a team of experts providing your care and giving you hope every step of the way.

Our cancer experts come from several medical specialties. You’ll work with a team of urologic cancer surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and other healthcare professionals. This team will give you personalized care to treat your specific case and provide emotional support.

You’ll also work with the same nurse navigator throughout your treatment and recovery. Your nurse navigator acts as a personal guide to help with your questions and needs, including scheduling all your appointments.

What to expect at your first appointment

Everyone deserves excellent care. When you come to us for penile cancer treatment, that’s what you’ll get. You’ll also find empathy and encouragement, starting with your initial appointment.

On your first visit, we want you to feel comfortable and well-prepared. Please bring your medical records and any images related to your diagnosis. Also bring:

• Directions for driving and parking — see our cancer care locations 
• Comfortable clothes and a sweater or jacket in case you need it
• Snacks and drinks
• Something to read
• Your cell phone, mobile device or laptop — we have free wireless

How is my penile cancer treatment plan created?

Deciding the best course of action for treating penile cancer and managing your unique needs requires knowledge and experience.

Our experts review and discuss your case at our weekly tumor board meeting. During these meetings, the team develops a treatment plan unique to your diagnosis and health needs. Our tumor board includes specialists from several medical fields, such as:

• Urologists, including surgeons
• Medical oncologists
• Radiation oncologists

Preparing for penile cancer treatment

Like other programs, we often recommend surgery to treat penile cancer — it’s one of the best ways to boost penile cancer survival rates.

But we also realize you’ll likely have concerns about surgery — most men do. We’re here to support you and make sure you completely understand the plan and the need for treatment. We take care to be as careful and respectful as possible. We’ll talk you through every step of the surgery. You should expect:

• Before your surgery: We’ll talk about any blood tests or X-rays and explain any instructions you need. Your doctor may give you some medicine to help you relax before your appointment.
• Day before your surgery: A member of our team will call you. They’ll ask you some questions and confirm the time you should get to the hospital.
• Day of your surgery: You’ll go to the pre-op area. There, you will meet with a member of the anesthesiology team. They’ll ask about your medical history and go over the procedure you’re having. Then, they’ll explain the anesthesia plan to you and your family.

Penile cancer recovery

After the surgery, you’ll move to the recovery room, where we watch you for one to two hours. For some surgeries, you may move to a hospital room for a longer stay. We’ll give you medication to help you manage pain.

Before you leave the hospital, your cancer specialist will speak with you. You'll get a prescription for pain medication and instructions for recovery. You should expect to have follow-up appointments, including a post-op visit. At that time, your cancer specialist checks how you’re healing.

Your cancer team stays available for any questions and concerns. We’re here to help you through recovery and watch for any further signs of cancer.