Radiotherapy
External radiotherapy destroys cancer cells using radiation aimed at the cancer from a machine. You usually have it as an outpatient each weekday over 4 to 6 weeks.
Some hospitals have rooms near the hospital you can stay in if you have a long way to travel.
You go to the radiotherapy department from your ward if you’re already in hospital.
Surgery is usually the main treatment for penile cancer. You might have radiotherapy for the following reasons:
instead of surgery if you are unable to have or do not want to have an operation
instead of surgery to lymph nodes in the groin
after surgery if there is a risk that cancer cells are left in the groin
to treat the lymph nodes in the pelvis if there is a high risk of the cancer coming back
Radiotherapy and chemotherapy together (chemoradiotherapy) have been used in research studies, but further studies are necessary.
You might have radiotherapy to relieve symptoms if penile cancer has spread. This is called palliative radiotherapy. Radiotherapy can shrink the cancer for a period of time and relieve symptoms.
You usually have a short course of daily treatments to the affected area, over a few days.
Some people have internal radiotherapy. This is also called brachytherapy. This is when the doctor puts thin radiotherapy tubes or wires on, or inside the penis, close to the tumour.
Read about internal radiotherapy for penile cancer
You might have a circumcision (removal of the foreskin) before you have radiotherapy. Radiotherapy treatment may cause swelling and inflammation of the penis. Removing the foreskin prevents any problems.
Find out about having a circumcision
Radiotherapy machines are very big and could make you feel nervous when you see them for the first time. The machine might be fixed in one position. Or it might rotate around your body to give treatment from different directions. The machine doesn't touch you at any point.
Before your first treatment, your will explain what you will see and hear. In some departments, the treatment rooms have docks for you to plug in music players. So you can listen to your own music while you have treatment.
The radiographers help you to get into position on the treatment couch. You might have wax or a plastic box put on to your penis to hold it away from your body during treatment. It helps to make sure that:
your penis doesn't move during treatment
the correct amount of radiotherapy reaches the target area
They line up the radiotherapy machine. They use the marks on your skin to help, if you have them from your radiotherapy planning. Then the radiographers leave you alone in the room for a few minutes.
You need to lie very still. Your radiographers might take images (x-rays or scans) before your treatment. This is to make sure that you're in the right position. The machine makes whirring and beeping sounds. You won’t feel anything when you have the treatment.
Your radiographers can see and hear you on a CCTV screen in the next room. They can talk to you over an intercom and might ask you to hold your breath or take shallow breaths at times. You can also talk to them through the intercom or raise your hand if you need to stop or if you're uncomfortable.
The following is a video about radiotherapy for cancer in general.
This type of radiotherapy won't make you radioactive. It's safe to be around other people, including pregnant women and children.
You might have to travel a long way each day for your radiotherapy. This depends on where your nearest cancer centre is. This can make you very tired, especially if you have side effects from the treatment.
You can ask your radiographers for an appointment time to suit you. They will do their best, but some departments might be very busy. Some radiotherapy departments are open from 7 am till 9 pm.
Car parking can be difficult at hospitals. Ask the radiotherapy staff if you are able to get free parking or discounted parking. They may be able to give you tips on free places to park nearby.
Hospital transport may be available if you have no other way to get to the hospital. But it might not always be at convenient times. It is usually for people who struggle to use public transport. Or who have any other illnesses or disabilities. You might need to arrange hospital transport yourself.
Some people are able to claim back a refund for healthcare travel costs. This is based on the type of appointment and whether you claim certain benefits. Ask the radiotherapy staff for more information about this and hospital transport.
Some hospitals have their own drivers and local charities might offer hospital transport. So do ask if any help is available in your area.
Radiotherapy to the penis can make you tired. Your penis may become swollen and may become sore.
Last reviewed: 27 Feb 2024
Next review due: 27 Feb 2027
Internal radiotherapy means giving radiotherapy to the cancer from inside the penis. It is also called brachytherapy.
Side effects from radiotherapy tend to start a few days after the treatment begins. Side effects might include sore skin or swelling.
Treatments for penile cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The treatment you have depends on the stage and type of your penile cancer.
Coping with penile cancer can be difficult. There are things you can do, people who can help and ways to cope with your diagnosis.
Penile cancer is cancer of the penis. It can develop anywhere on the penis but is most common under the foreskin in men who haven’t been circumcised or on the head of the penis (the glans).
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
