Penile cancer: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Go to an emergency department for heavy bleeding that does not stop, complete inability to pass urine, fainting, or severe rapidly worsening pain and swelling.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Arrange a medical appointment promptly if you notice a penile lump, growth, ulcer, bleeding, unexplained discharge, persistent rash, colour change, or foreskin problem.

   This is especially important if the area is growing or has not healed within a few weeks.

   Seek urgent same-day medical care for rapidly increasing redness or swelling, fever with a penile wound, worsening discharge, or significant difficulty passing urine.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Contact your cancer team between routine appointments if you have a new change in the penis, a groin lump, worsening swelling, or treatment side effects that are not settling.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Penile cancer. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.