HemeOnc

Penile Cancer

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Penile Cancer, Malignant Neoplasm of Penis, Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Penis, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Penis, Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma

  • Epidemiology
  1. Prevalence: 2-3 per 100,000 (rare)
  2. Incidence: Peaks over age 70 years
  • Pathophysiology
  1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma accounts for 95% of Penile Cancers
  • Risk Factors
  1. Foreskin (Penile Cancer is almost exclusive to uncircumcised men)
  2. Human Papillomavirus Infection (HPV)
  3. Penile Lichen Sclerosus
  4. Tobacco Abuse
  5. Poor foreskin hygiene
  6. Phimosis
  • Signs
  1. Delay in presentation is common (average delay >6 months from onset)
  2. Early presentation
    1. Painless lump or penile ulcer
  3. Later presentation
    1. Thickened skin and wart-like Penile Growth
    2. Foul discharge may be present
    3. Large exophytic irregular masses may develop
  • Differential Diagnosis
  1. Giant condyloma
  • Labs
  • Biopsy
  1. Biopsy all suspicious lesions
  • Management
  1. Early stage Penile Cancer may be treated in similar fashion to Penile Cancer in Situ
  2. Higher stage Penile Cancer (T2 to T4) requires penile amputation for cure
  • References
  1. Mosconi (2005) Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 53(2): 165-77 [PubMed]
  2. Teichman (2010) Am Fam Physician 81(2): 167-74 [PubMed]
  3. Teichman (2018) Am Fam Physician 97(2): 102-10 [PubMed]