Does penile cancer look like herpes, when it is starting?

No: Herpes will manifest typically as a cluster of small fluid-filled blisters over the inflammed skin area around it. Penile cancer can be presented as a little bump or firm mass/nodule , ulceration/sore, or area of inflammation/redness. They do not present as clusters of blisters.

It may: Early penile cancer may present as irritated skin, a discolored patch, ulcer or a raised lesion. A lay person, even a doctor may not be able to make the diagnosis by naked eye examination. If there is a lesion, it may need to be biopsied for examination by a pathologist.