New insight in penile cancer

Minerva Urol Nefrol. 2018 Dec;70(6):559-569. doi: 10.23736/S0393-2249.18.03215-0. Epub 2018 Sep 19.

Abstract

Penile cancer is a rare disease. Most of penile cancer are squamous cell carcinoma. Diagnosis is based on self-examination, clinical examination and confirmatory biopsy. Several imaging techniques could be used for staging purposes. However, the best modality for staging in intermediate and high-risk patients is by surgical evaluation and the use of inguinal lymph node dissection, that has also a therapeutic effect. Unfortunately, inguinal lymph node dissection is underused. Penile cancer treatment may have a major adverse impact on urinary and sexual function and on quality of life. Penile-sparing surgery and radiation therapies are available, and in selected patients offer good outcomes with acceptable rates of local recurrence. Penile-sparing surgery should be preferred when indicated. Follow-up with periodical controls is mandatory up to 5 years. However, risk of local, nodal and distant recurrence after 5 years was reported. Imaging is not routinely recommended during follow-up. Patients should be trained to self-examination during the follow-up.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Penile Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Penile Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Penile Neoplasms / therapy*