A penile biopsy is when a doctor takes a tiny piece of tissue from the penis to check for problems. It’s like when a mechanic takes a small part of a car engine to figure out why it’s not working right. The sample goes to a lab, where experts look at it under a microscope to see if there’s an infection, disease, or cancer.

Why Would Someone Need One?

Doctors do a penile biopsy if:

• There’s a sore, lump, or weird patch on the penis that won’t go away.
• They need to check for cancer (like penile cancer).
• There’s a rash or skin condition (like lichen sclerosus, which can cause white patches).
• They suspect an infection (like HPV warts or herpes).

How Is It Done?

1. Numbing – The doctor uses a small shot to numb the area so it doesn’t hurt.
2. Taking the Sample – They might use:
   • A tiny cookie-cutter-like tool (punch biopsy) to take a small circle of skin.
   • A small knife (shave or incisional biopsy) to remove a piece of the sore.
   • Cutting out the whole lump (excisional biopsy) if it’s small.
3. Stitches (Sometimes) – If the cut is big, they might use a stitch or two.
4. Lab Test – The sample goes to a lab to find out what’s wrong.

Does It Hurt?

• The numbing shot might sting a little, but after that, you shouldn’t feel much.
• Afterward, the area might be sore for a day or two, like a small cut.

Recovery & Care

• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Avoid sex or heavy exercise for a few days.
• Use pain relievers (like Tylenol) if needed.

Possible Problems (But They’re Rare)

• Bleeding or a little bruising.
• Infection (if the area gets red, swollen, or has pus).
• Scarring (but it’s usually small).

When to Call the Doctor

• If the biopsy spot won’t stop bleeding.
• If it looks infected (red, hot, leaking pus).

If the pain gets worse instead of better.