OBJECTIVE: To assess the behaviour and management of these uncommon neoplasias. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March 1975 and July 1999, a total of 95 malignant neoplasias of the penis were diagnosed and treated by our unit. Patients mean age was 62 years (28 to 87 years). A retrospective analysis of any associated lesions, biological behaviour of the various neoplasias, as well as therapies used is carried out. RESULTS: The squamous carcinoma of the penis (SCP) is the most frequent pathohistological entity entailing 78 cases (82%), followed by verrucous carcinoma (VC) 13 cases (13.5%), basal cells carcinoma 1 case, and melanoma, lymphoma and penile metastasis 1 case each. There is a significant presence of associated lesions with marked predominance of phimosis. The most frequent reason for the call is an injury of the penis (74 cases; 78%). Treatment was mainly partial penectomy (51 patients; 53.7%), followed by conservative treatment in 28 cases (30%). Inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed in 13 patients (14%), due to either a positive nodular biopsy or a persistent adenopathy following antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Neoplasias showing superior biological behaviour are basal cell carcinoma of the penis, and verrucous carcinoma. Prognosis in SCP is based on pathological status and node involvement. Patients with pT1 tumours showed no metastatic adenopathies after follow-up regardless of cytological grading, and are therefore candidates to watchful waiting with regular monitoring. Melanoma of the penis is a highly aggressive tumour due to its high metastatic capacity with a poor prognosis.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the behaviour and management of these uncommon neoplasias. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March 1975 and July 1999, a total of 95 malignant neoplasias of the penis were diagnosed and treated by our unit. Patients mean age was 62 years (28 to 87 years). A retrospective analysis of any associated lesions, biological behaviour of the various neoplasias, as well as therapies used is carried out. RESULTS: The squamous carcinoma of the penis (SCP) is the most frequent pathohistological entity entailing 78 cases (82%), followed by verrucous carcinoma (VC) 13 cases (13.5%), basal cells carcinoma 1 case, and melanoma, lymphoma and penile metastasis 1 case each. There is a significant presence of associated lesions with marked predominance of phimosis. The most frequent reason for the call is an injury of the penis (74 cases; 78%). Treatment was mainly partial penectomy (51 patients; 53.7%), followed by conservative treatment in 28 cases (30%). Inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed in 13 patients (14%), due to either a positive nodular biopsy or a persistent adenopathy following antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS:Neoplasias showing superior biological behaviour are basal cell carcinoma of the penis, and verrucous carcinoma. Prognosis in SCP is based on pathological status and node involvement. Patients with pT1tumours showed no metastatic adenopathies after follow-up regardless of cytological grading, and are therefore candidates to watchful waiting with regular monitoring. Melanoma of the penis is a highly aggressive tumour due to its high metastatic capacity with a poor prognosis.