Penile cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT)

Once all your test results are ready, we will talk to you about your treatment options. The treatment you receive will depend on:

• the type of cancer you have
• where it is on your penis
• whether it has spread to any other part of your body
• your general health.

For most men, surgery is the main treatment for penile cancer. Your care may also include one or more of the following:

• chemotherapy
• radiotherapy
• supportive care.

It is important that you fully understand your treatment. Please ask us any questions about your care plan and we will do our best to give you clear answers. We will also give you written information about your diagnosis and treatment. If anything is unclear or you have any questions about the written information, please ask us.

You may find it helpful to write down your questions before your appointment. Patients often tell us that having the questions written down is a good reminder to ask them.

You are also welcome to bring a family member or friend. They can help you remember what has been discussed and offer you support.

Consultant surgeons

If you need surgery as part of your cancer treatment, it will usually take place at University College Hospital (UCH). You will meet your consultant surgeon during your outpatient appointment to discuss your treatment plan. Our surgeons work as part of a team, so you may see other members of their team during your hospital stay.

Contact via secretary: 020 3447 9280 (9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri)

Medical oncologists

Medical oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with drugs, such as chemotherapy. They work as part of a team, so you may see different team members during your clinic appointments or while you are in hospital.

Contact via secretary: 020 3447 9088 (8.30am to 4.30pm, Mon to Fri)

Clinical oncologists

Clinical oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with radiotherapy (high-energy X-rays). They work as part of a team, so you may see different team members during your clinic appointments or while you are in hospital.

Contact via secretary: 020 3447 9287 (8.30am to 4.30pm, Mon to Fri)

Consultant radiologists

Consultant radiologists specialise in analysing images from X-rays, CT, MRI and bone scans to confirm diagnosis.

Consultant histopathologists

Consultant histopathologists specialise in examining tissue and cell samples. These samples come from biopsies and other tests. Their work helps to diagnose and confirm the type of penile cancer.

Specialist genital dermatology team

The specialist genital dermatology team supports patients with long-term conditions affecting the male genital area. These include lichen sclerosus, bowenoid papulosis, Bowen’s disease or human papillomavirus (HPV).

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs)

Penile cancer CNSs are senior nurses who specialise in caring for people with penile cancer. They offer information, support and advice throughout your diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

One of the CNSs will be your key worker. They will be the main point of contact for you, your family and anyone involved in your care.

Telephone: 07852 219 921 (9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri)

Research team

UCLH is a large research centre, running many studies and clinical trials to improve the treatment and outcomes in penile cancer care.

• Research studies may involve giving a blood sample or filling in a questionnaire.
• Clinical trials may involve trying a new medication or procedure.

Your doctor will talk to you about any research studies and clinical trials that may be suitable for you. If you decide to take part in a clinical trial, a research nurse or clinical trial practitioner will support you throughout.

It is up to you whether you wish to get involved. If you decide not to take part, or if you choose to leave a trial, you will still receive the same high standard of care.

To find out more or to search for current studies or trials, visit our cancer clinical trials page.

There are other specialists, such as dermatologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists who are part of the extended MDT. You may be referred to these specialists if appropriate.

The penile cancer MDT meets every Friday to discuss the diagnosis and treatment plan of individual patients. They make sure that each patient is given the same high standard of care and has the most appropriate tests and treatment.

The team’s recommendations for your treatment plan will be recorded in your medical notes. You will likely have an appointment with your consultant or CNS to discuss this. Sometimes, you may need to have more tests or see another specialist. We will let you know if this is the case and make a referral.

You can also ask your key worker or CNS for a phone call to discuss the meeting’s outcome.

We will keep your GP informed about your diagnosis, treatment and care. You will be copied into these letters as well.

If there is anything in the letters that you don’t understand, talk to your consultant at your next appointment, or call your key worker.

If you prefer not to receive these letters, please let your consultant or CNS know.

You can also view your letters and appointment details on our patient portal, MyCare UCLH. If you have trouble signing up, your CNS can assist you.

We know that going through tests and treatment can affect your quality of life in many ways. To make sure you get the right support, we will offer you a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA). This helps us to understand any issues or concerns you may have, including your general wellbeing, emotional health or welfare needs.

After your HNA, we can offer you a care plan with the most appropriate support for your situation.

Follow the guidance below if you feel unwell or need medical advice outside of normal working hours:

• If you have had surgery, go to your local Emergency Department (A&E) or contact your GP.
• If you are under the care of an oncology team, call the 24-hour advice line: 07947 959 020.

The Macmillan Support and Information Service offers advice, support, and information to anyone affected by cancer or a blood condition. You can drop in any time between 9am and 4.45pm, Monday to Friday, or call 020 3447 8663.

PALS is a patient-friendly, easy-to-access service designed to provide a personal contact point to assist patients, relatives and carers. If you have a problem that you have not been able to resolve, PALS can help you.

The University College Hospital PALS office is located on the ground floor of the main hospital building and is open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Telephone: 020 3447 3042
Email: uclh.PALS@nhs.net

Our penile and urethral cancer support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month (except January and August), from 12pm to 1.30pm. You can join the group online (via Zoom) or in person at the Cancer Centre.

In December, we also host a special social gathering, where you can bring your wife, partner or a loved one to join us in person.

If you would like more information, please contact your CNS on 07852 219 921.

You don’t need to book in advance – just come along. We look forward to welcoming you.

‘It is really helpful to talk to other men who really get what I am going through.’
(Support group member)

Orchid
Orchid is dedicated to supporting men with testicular, penile and prostate cancer.
Support line: 0808 802 0010

Macmillan Cancer Support
Support line: 0808 808 0000 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week)

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust cannot accept responsibility for information provided by external organisations.