Penile cancer is a rare type of cancer that occurs on the surface of the penis or within the penis.  Penile cancer not only affects a man physically but can have a negative impact on their mental health. Support throughout their cancer journey is vitally important. Approximately 60 men are diagnosed and treated with penile cancer in Ireland every year. This number is increasing every year. Due to this increase in demand in the service, the National Cancer Control Programme  designated Beaumont Hospital  as the National Referral Centre in Ireland for penile cancer.

Mr. Ivor Cullen, Consultant Urologist, is the clinical lead in Ireland for penile cancer. My name is Alison Doran. I commenced the new role of Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Penile and Bladder Cancer in May 2023.

Penile cancer most commonly affects men over the age of 50 but can affect younger men also. Risk factors include age, smoking, phimosis, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and previous radiation exposure.

The most common symptoms of penile cancer include:
• A growth or sore that doesn’t heal within 4 weeks – it can look like a wart or blister
• Bleeding from your penis or from under the foreskin
• A foul-smelling discharge under the foreskin (not ejaculation)
• Swelling that makes it difficult to draw back the foreskin (phimosis)
• A change in the colour of the skin or foreskin to a blueish / brown colour
• A rash or small crusty bumps on the penis
• Lumps under the skin in the groin area

Investigations may include blood tests, biopsy, CT scan, MRI scan, ultrasound and PET scan.

Treatment options vary depending on the stage, size and position of the cancer. For early staged penile cancer, treatment options can include topical treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy creams. For cancers affecting a wider area, surgery can be the most effective treatment. Some surgery will involve removing small pieces of tissue, while others may involve more extensive procedures which can involve removing the full penis (Total penectomy). Surgery can be given as a sole component or it may be combined with other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Early detection and self-awareness is vital for patient survival and positive patient outcomes. Self-surveillance is highly advocated for any man with a suspicion or confirmed penile cancer. Recognising changes to the penis should be reported to a healthcare professional.
My aim as CNS is to deliver a high quality service for patients with penile cancer by acting as a specialist resource and working in conjunction with the Multidisciplinary Team. I am the point of contact for these patients and their families through their cancer journey from time of referral through to survivorship. I provide physical, social support and education, through evidence based practice. I advise and educate nursing staff and medical staff on the specific care these patients require both pre and post-operatively.

I am also focused on muscle invasive bladder cancer patients requiring cystectomy. I act as the link between the patient, urology consultant and stoma care specialist nurses. I am the point of contact for these patients and their families both pre and post operatively. For patients requiring robotic assisted cystectomy, I have helped set up and coordinate the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Programme (ERAS) on St. Damien’s Ward which thus far has proven to be a successful programme. It is comprised of a regime to promote early mobilisation, early oral intake and nutritional optimization. It has many potential benefits including reduced length of stay in hospital, improved wound healing and decreased risk of blood loss.

I can be contacted by phone on 01 797 7491 or email urologyoncology@beaumont.ie.
Penile Cancer referrals can be sent to PCC@BEAUMONT.IE