Objective: To evaluate the metastatic risk of pT1 G2 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the penis.
Patients and methods: We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients with pT1 G2 penile SCC and determined their groin status at first presentation, their nodal status after inguinal lymph node dissection and their follow-up for at least 18 months.
Results: Four of the 20 patients had a clinically positive groin; three of these were found to have lymph node metastases. Among the 16 patients with a clinically negative groin, one of five who had surgical lymph node staging had lymph node metastases. During surveillance six of 11 patients developed lymph node metastases. There was lymphovascular invasion in three of 10 patients with lymph node metastases.
Conclusions: As the metastatic risk of pT1 G2 penile SCC was 50% in this series of patients, and 44% in those with an initially negative groin, surgical staging of inguinal lymph nodes is recommended in patients with pT1 G2 penile SCC.