Penis and Scrotum: Diagnosis Guides

Section Editor: Trevor Flood MD FRCPC
October 24, 2026

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. The most common type is squamous cell carcinoma, which develops from the squamous cells of the skin and may or may not be linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). The articles explain how each type 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, or a p16-positive tumor.

HPV-independent squamous cell carcinoma

HPV-independent squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of penile cancer and 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 HPV-independent or non-HPV squamous cell carcinoma of the penis, or a p16-negative tumor.

Precancerous changes

These diagnoses describe precancerous changes in the skin of the penis. They are not cancer, but they can develop into cancer over time. The articles explain what each 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, PeIN, or an older term such as carcinoma in situ or Bowen disease.

Noncancerous conditions

These diagnoses are noncancerous conditions found in the skin of the penis or scrotum. They are not cancer. The articles explain what each diagnosis means and how it may affect your care.

Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a long-lasting inflammatory skin condition that causes thin, pale, scarred skin on the glans and foreskin. It is not cancer, but it raises the risk of penile cancer over time. This article explains what this diagnosis means and how it is treated.

You may find this helpful if your report mentions lichen sclerosus or balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO). Coming soon.

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