Purpose of reviewTo review recent developments in the diagnosis and treatment of penile cancer, we reviewed the medical literature from 1 May 2002 to 1 June 2003 on the incidence, aetiology, staging, diagnosis and treatment of penile cancer by a Medline search.Recent findingsThe diagnostic tools and treatment modalities for penile cancer are still controversial. Recently developed diagnostic and therapeutic modalities should help urologists in the management of the disease.SummaryOur review of the recent literature provides an update on diagnostic and therapeutic opinion on penile cancer.