If it is not treated, this cancer tends to grow and spread to the lymph nodes in the groin, which are part of the body's lymphatic system.

Once the cancer cells get into the lymphatic system they may travel to other areas of the body – the lungs, for instance – and start growing there. These cancers are called secondary cancers or metastases. It is quite rare, however, for penile cancer to spread to distant body parts.

Penile cancer can also spread through the bloodstream, but this does not happen very often.