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Man Had Part Of His Penis Amputated After Doctors Dismissed ‘Death Smell’ Symptom

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The British father shared how early warning signs were overlooked before his diagnosis
A man from the UK who was initially told that a troubling symptom was nothing serious later faced a life-changing diagnosis. What doctors first believed was a simple infection ended up leading to surgery where he lost a large portion of his penis.The father, Steven Hamill, has since spoken about his experience in detail and is now encouraging others to take any unusual symptoms seriously and not delay seeking proper medical advice.Back when he was 26 years old, Hamill noticed something unusual and concerning. The head of his penis had swollen dramatically, reaching around four times its normal size, which prompted him to visit a doctor.

At that time, he was told it was likely balanitis, a condition that causes swelling and irritation of the head of the penis. Doctors believed it could be linked to hygiene issues or possibly a sexually transmitted infection.He was prescribed a steroid cream and sent home, with the expectation that the issue would clear up. However, the situation did not improve, and instead, new symptoms began to appear.A month later, things took a worrying turn when he noticed a strong and unusual odor coming from the same area. “I would describe this smell as death. The smell followed me round and it was awful and other people could smell it,” he explained.

Steven Hamill had to have four inches of his penis removed following his cancer diagnosisKennedy News/@stevenHamillStories
Even with these symptoms, doctors still did not immediately suspect cancer. They believed his age made it unlikely, which delayed further investigation.In reality, the smell, combined with the swelling and severe pain he was experiencing, were signs of penile cancer, a rare but serious condition that requires early treatment.According to Macmillan Cancer Support, around 700 men in the UK are diagnosed with penile cancer each year. In the US, the American Cancer Society reports that it remains rare, with fewer than one case per 100,000 men, though around 2,260 new cases are expected in 2026.

“I was really lucky that I was well endowed”

Hamill only discovered the severity of his condition after a serious incident. His brother found him unconscious in his car, surrounded by blood, and rushed him to the hospital.

From there, he was transferred to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, where specialists were able to properly assess his condition. It was in April 2019 that he finally received a diagnosis of penile cancer.

To treat the disease, he underwent a circumcision and surgery to remove a large portion of his penis. After months of treatment, he was eventually given the all-clear just three months later.

Following the operation, his life changed in many ways. His penis length was reduced from around eight inches to roughly four inches, something he has spoken about openly.“I was really lucky that I was well endowed because if I was average I would have gone down to about one or two inches and that functionality isn’t really there anymore,” he said while reflecting on the outcome.“It’s never been an issue with anyone I’ve dated but it’s more me adapting and learning new things.”

The British man said a ‘death smell’ was emanating from his penis prior to his diagnosisKennedy News/@stevenHamillStories
“I’ve got a whole new tool to figure out how to function because it’s completely different.”Adjusting to this new reality took time. It was not just a physical change but also something that required him to rethink how he approached different parts of his life, including relationships and confidence.He explained that it has been a process of learning and adapting, especially when it comes to understanding how his body now works after the surgery.

“Don’t leave it too late”

Now several years on from his diagnosis and treatment, Hamill is in remission and continues to share his story. He has reached the age of 33 and has also become a father.

“I was told I would never have kids because the surgery happened on my urethra, and I now have a four-year-old boy,” he said, speaking about how his situation turned out differently from what he was first told.

“Everything is still functional and I can still have kids.”

The food industry worker is now a fatherKennedy News/@stevenHamillStories
Despite his recovery, he admits that the experience has left a lasting impact on how he sees himself, particularly when it comes to intimacy.“[I] think ‘she’s going to think it [my penis] looks really weird’. I get self conscious all the time,” he shared.He explained that it took years for him to come to terms with the changes and rebuild his confidence, but he continues to work through it over time.

“The best advice I could give would be if anything doesn’t feel right, don’t be embarrassed and see if it goes away. Reach out, even if it’s to me online, and I could guide you, but 100% reach out and don’t leave it too late.”He now uses his experience to encourage others not to ignore unusual symptoms. Speaking up early and getting the right checks can make a huge difference in outcomes.His story highlights how important it is to trust your instincts when something feels wrong and to push for further medical attention if needed.

What are the symptoms of penile cancer?

Health guidance from the NHS explains that most cases of penile cancer affect the foreskin or the head of the penis. These are the areas where changes are most often first noticed.

Common signs can include changes that do not go away over time, which is why it is important to monitor symptoms closely and seek help if anything seems unusual.

The most common symptoms of penile cancer include:

  • A growth, lump or sore that does not heal within four weeks
  • A rash
  • Bleeding
  • Smelly discharge
  • Having difficulty pulling back your foreskin
  • Unexplained skin color changes

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There are also other symptoms that may not seem directly related at first but can still be linked to the condition.These can include changes in overall health or discomfort in nearby areas, which should not be ignored if they persist.Meanwhile, other symptoms can include:

  • Lump in the groin
  • Tiredness
  • Pain in the tummy
  • Losing weight without trying

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