Cairns Urology

CARCINOMA OF THE PENIS

This is an uncommon lesion, which may present as an ulcer which has failed to heal.

Cause

Suspected causes involve venereal diseases, phimosis, chronic bacterial infection and chronic inflammation. It is often associated with being uncircumcised however, has also been seen in circumcised patients.

Diagnosis and treatment

A small lesion may be excised locally and primary closure achieved, however often reconstruction may be necessary. Partial or complete amputation of the penis is sometimes required, leading to significant physical and psychological effects.

Pathology:

Usually squamous cell carcinoma. Occasionally basal cell carcinoma may occur or melanoma which may be primary or secondary.

Staging:

Stage 1 - is confined to the penis

Stage 2 - regional lymph nodes are affected (inguinal and iliac)

Stage 3 - disseminated disease.

Treatment of metastatic disease

Radiotherapy is sometimes helpful for regional lymph nodes and rarely chemotherapy may be helpful.

Survival is extremely poor for Stage 3 disease.