Purpose: In order to describe epidemiological and pathological features of penile cancer in a high-risk area of Brazil.
Methods: We reviewed the experience (378 patients from 1997 to 2007) of Hospital Aristides Maltez from Salvador, Bahia-the main institution in the state which provides oncologic treatment for penile cancer in the public health system.
Results: The present series showed a high rate (17 %) of patients less than 40 years at the time of diagnosis. Cancer-specific death rate in this age group was 19 % (in contrast to 11 and 13 % in the 41-60 and >60 age groups). Squamous cell carcinomas in younger patients were also more likely to exhibit infiltrative growth pattern, perineural invasion, and recurrence.
Conclusion: Regardless of tumor subtypes, penile carcinoma in Northeastern Brazil had more aggressive features and behavior when presented at younger age. This observation should be confirmed in other large series from endemic areas of penile cancer.