The penis and scrotum are the external parts of the male reproductive and urinary systems. The penis is covered by skin and contains the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen. The scrotum is the pouch of skin that holds the testicles. When tissue is removed from the penis or scrotum, a pathologist examines it under a microscope and describes what they see in your pathology report.
This page brings together our guides to conditions found in the penis and scrotum. The articles are grouped by type to help you find the one that matches your diagnosis. Select any article below to learn more.
Cancers of the penis
These diagnoses are cancers that develop in the penis. Both are a type called squamous cell carcinoma, which develops from the squamous cells of the skin. One type is linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV) and one is not. The articles explain how each is diagnosed and what the details in your pathology report mean.
HPV-associated squamous cell carcinoma
HPV-associated squamous cell carcinoma is a type of penile cancer linked to long-lasting infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). This article explains how it is diagnosed and what the details in your pathology report mean.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions HPV-associated squamous cell carcinoma of the penis.
Non-HPV squamous cell carcinoma
Non-HPV squamous cell carcinoma is a type of penile cancer that is not linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). This article explains how it is diagnosed and what your pathology report describes.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions non-HPV squamous cell carcinoma of the penis.
Precancerous changes
This diagnosis describes a precancerous change in the skin of the penis. It is not cancer, but it can develop into cancer over time. The article explains what this diagnosis means.
Penile intraepithelial neoplasia
Penile intraepithelial neoplasia, or PeIN, is a precancerous change in the squamous cells of the skin of the penis. It is not cancer, but it can develop into cancer over time. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions penile intraepithelial neoplasia or PeIN.
We are proud to partner with:
