Penile cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT)

It is important that you understand what your treatment involves. Please feel free to ask us about any aspect of your care plan and we will do our best to answers your questions clearly. We will also give you written information about your diagnosis and treatment. This can help with the discussions you will have with members of our team.

If there is anything you don’t understand or have any questions about the written information, please ask us. You may find it helpful to write down any questions you would like to ask us before your appointment. Patients often tell us that having the questions written down serves as a good reminder to ask them. We also encourage you to bring a relative or friend with you to the clinic. They can help you remember what has been discussed and offer you support.

The type of treatment you will have will depend on:

• the type of cancer you have
• where it is on the penis
• whether it is present anywhere else in your body
• your general health.

For most men, the treatment for penile cancer is usually surgery but it may also include some or all of the following:

• chemotherapy
• radiotherapy
• supportive care.

Consultant surgeons

You will probably need surgery as part of your cancer treatment. Surgery usually takes place at University College Hospital. You will meet your consultant surgeon at your outpatient appointment to discuss your treatment.
Your consultant surgeon is: .................................................................
Contact via secretary: 020 3447 9280 (9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri)

Medical oncologists

Medical oncologists are doctors who specialise in the treatment of cancer with drugs (chemotherapy).
Your medical oncologist is: .................................................................
Contact via secretary: 020 3447 9088 (8.30am to 4.30pm, Mon to Fri)

Clinical oncologists

Clinical oncologists are doctors who specialise in the treatment of cancer with radiotherapy.
Your clinical oncologist is: ..................................................................
Contact via secretary: 020 3447 9287 (8.30am to 4.30pm, Mon to Fri)

Consultant radiologists

Consultant radiologists specialise in examining and interpreting tests performed to diagnose disease. These include X-rays, CT, MRI and bone scans.

Consultant histopathologists

Consultant histopathologists specialise in examining tissue samples and cells. These are taken from biopsies and other tests performed to diagnose and confirm the type of cancer.

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs)

Clinical nurse specialists are senior nurses and experts is caring for people with your type of cancer. They offer advice and support throughout your diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

Your CNS will also act as your key worker during your treatment. This means that they will be a consistent point of contact for you, your family and any professionals involved in your care. This may change if you are supported by the community teams.
Your CNS is: .......................................................................................
Telephone: 07852 219 921 (9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri)

Macmillan support workers

Macmillan support workers work alongside the CNSs and support them in their day-to-day activities. As they are not medically qualified, they are unable to give medical advice. They can liaise with the relevant teams on your behalf instead. They can also make referrals to other services. These include the welfare and benefits advice, and community-based programmes.

Please note that the Macmillan support workers only work with patients who have chemotherapy or radiotherapy as part of their treatment. If you are having surgery only, your CNS will be your main point of contact and support.

Telephone: 020 3447 7151 (9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri)

Please leave a message and a Macmillan support worker will get back to you as soon as they can.

Specialist genital dermatology team

Specialist genital dermatology team supports patients with chronic male genital conditions. These include lichen sclerosus, bowenoid papulosis, Bowen’s disease or human papillomavirus (HPV).

Research team

We run a range of research studies and clinical trials aimed at improving knowledge, treatment and outcomes in cancer care.

• Research studies usually involve giving a sample of blood or tissue from the lump, or doing a questionnaire.
• Clinical trials may involve taking a new drug or having a new procedure.

Your doctor will talk to you about any research studies and clinical trials you may be suitable for. If you choose to take part in a clinical trial, you will be supported by a research nurse/clinical trial practitioner. They will be your main contact during that time.

It is up to you whether you wish to get involved. If you decide not to take part, or if you choose to withdraw at any time, your treatment may change but you can expect the same level of care.

If you have any questions about research, please speak to your doctor or CNS. They can put you in touch with the research team.

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 recommendations about your treatment plan will be recorded in your notes. It is likely that you will have an appointment with your consultant and/or CNS to discuss this further. Or you may need to have more tests.

Sometimes it may be more appropriate to refer you to another specialist team. We will let you know if this is the case. You can also request a telephone call from your key worker or CNS to discuss the outcome of the meeting.

We know that going through tests and treatment can affect your quality of life in different ways. We will offer you a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) to help identify any issues or concerns you may have.

This will include questions about your general wellbeing, and psycho-social and welfare needs. Following an HNA, we can offer you the most appropriate care plan.

If you had surgery to treat your penile cancer and need to speak to someone out of hours because you have a medical emergency, go to your local Emergency Department (A&E) or contact your GP.

If you are under the care of an oncology team and need to speak to someone out of hours, call the 24-hour advice line: 07947 959 020.

We will inform your GP of your diagnosis and include them in all correspondence about your treatment and care. We will copy you into this correspondence as well.

If there is anything you don’t understand in the letters that you receive, please bring them to your next appointment. We will be happy to discuss any questions you may have.

The Macmillan Support and Information Service is available to people with cancer and blood conditions, and their families, friends and carers. It offers:

• complementary therapies, such as massage and relaxation
• diet and nutrition advice
• emotional support, advice and information
• psychological care and counselling
• welfare and benefits advice
• wig and scarf tying advice
• a programme of workshops, courses and events.

If you would like to use any of these services, please talk to your CNS or a Macmillan support worker.You can also drop in to talk to one
of the support and information specialists.

Address: Ground floor, University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, Huntley Street, London WC1E 6AG
Telephone: 020 3447 8663 or 020 3447 3816
Email: uclh.supportandinformation@nhs.net
Opening hours: 9am to 4.45pm, Monday to Friday

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

The penile and urethral cancer support group meets every first Tuesday of the month (except for January and August) between 12pm and 1.30pm. You can join the group online (via Zoom) or attend face-to-face at the Cancer Centre. If you would like to find out more, please contact your CNS on 07852 219 921.

You don’t need to confirm attendance and 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 Fighting Male Cancer
Support line: 0808 802 0010 
Website: orchid-cancer.org.uk
Email nurse: nurse@orchid-cancer.org.uk

Macmillan Cancer Support
Support line: 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm, Mon to Fri)
Website: macmillan.org.uk

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